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GENEALOGY COLLECTION

ALLEN COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY

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AN ACCOUNT

CHURCH AND PARISH

ST. GILES,

WITHOUT CRIPPLEGATE,

CITY OF LONDON

Compiled from various old authorities, including the Churchwardens'
^Accounts, and the Vestry Minute 'Books of the ^Parish,

JOHN JAMES BADDELEY^

Churchwarden, 1887-8.

Illustrated by Wood Engravings Specially executed for this work.

& ' ■ London :

PUBLISHED BY J. J. BADDELEY,

Chapel Works, Moor Lane, E.C.,

And Sold for the Benefit of the Funds of the Metropolitan

Dispensary and the Cripplegate Pension Society.

BLADES, EAST & BLADES,
Printers^

23, ABCHURCH LANE, LONDON, E.C.

13352G0

PREFACE.

''PHIS compilation arose from my desire to follow in the foot-
steps of many Churchwardens of St. Giles, Cripplegate, in
doing something more lasting for my fellow-parishioners than
could be done by merely performing the routine duties of the
office. I have also further objects in view, first to benefit two of
our useful Charitable Institutions with the proceeds derived from
the sale of the book, and secondly, what is perhaps of more
importance, to endeavour to arouse in some of my neighbours
in Cripplegate an interest in, and a desire to serve, their
ancient Church and Parish.

On account of the many historic characters connected with
the Church, this book may have a wider circulation than amongst
those for whose pleasure and information it was chiefly written.
I would, therefore, say to all into whose hands it may fall, that
although the facts stated, and the extracts taken from the Parish
and other books, are, I believe, correct in every particular, yet it
is not intended as a book for reference.

Though the title is "An Account of the Church and Parish,"'
no attempt has been made to deal in detail with the many notable
and historic characters once resident therein, nor to treat of the

A 2

domestic or trade history of the Parish. Those curious in such
matters may be referred to the excellent volume on the subject,
published in 1883, by the late Rev. W. Denton. I have con-
tented myself with giving a general outline only of the state of
the Parish, paying more particular attention to the History of
the Church, and of the officials and others connected with it, as
found in the Parish Records. The extracts from these have been
left, as far as possible, to tell their own tale.

The Illustrations will, it is hoped, supply a long-felt want
for some pictorial memento of the Church, and the historic
monuments within its walls, and may help to cover many
possible errors in the text, both of omission and commission.

My first and warmest thanks are due, and are here given to
the Rev. James Christie, Curate of St. Bartholomew's, Moor
Lane, for the invaluable assistance he has given me in searching
the Parish Records, and for information respecting the lives of
several of the Vicars, as well as for general information and help
in the course of the work. To Mr. Hammond I am indebted for
the particulars of the alterations in the Church in recent times.
To Mr. Welch, of the Guildhall Library, and to Dr. Sharpe,
Records' Clerk of the Town Clerk's Office, Guildhall, my thanks
are also due, and are here given, for assistance and advice in
my many searches in the books and documents under their care.
In passing, I would say that, under the usual wise liberality of
the Corporation of the City of London, the Records in the form
of Wills and Deeds, known as the Hustings Roll, have been
calendared, the Wills being already in the hands of the printers.
When these calendars are completed, they will be of invaluable
assistance to the searchers after facts concerning the lives and
customs of the ancient inhabitants of our great city.

It gives me much pleasure to thank the officers of the
Church for their help at all times willingly rendered, and

especially for their invariable courtesy on the many occasions
on which their patience must have been tried during the
preparation of this book.

In conclusion, my readers' forbearance is asked for all faults
of style and composition, and for the incomplete manner in
which many of the subjects are treated, and I would have them
note that the whole was compiled by one who had no previous
experience of such work, and who, full of public and private
business, had comparatively little time at his disposal, except
that obtained by a free expenditure of midnight oil.

J. J. B.

June, 1888.

LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS.

PAGE

St. Giles, Emblem of, from Window Presented by St. Luke's, at Western end

of South Wall I

St. Giles' Church, Views of —

Exterior, South-West Aspect (1682-1790) 33

Exterior, showing the Quest House, Four Shoppes and Great

Gateway (1888) 182

Exterior, South-West Aspect (1888) ----- Frontispiece

Interior, from North-East Door looking South (1791-1860) - - 3S

Interior, looking East (1791-1S62) 41

Interior, looking East (18S8) - 44

Interior, looking West (18SS) 45

Altar Piece and East Window -------- 35

St. Giles' Church —

Jubilee (1887) Medal by Vicar and Churchwardens of - - "55

Chiming Machine in Tower of - - - - - - - 130

St. Giles' Church, Monuments in—

Busby, Thomas ----------- 75

Frobisher, Sir Martin 80

Hand, Ann Martha 102

Harvist, Edward ---------- 87

Langley, Charles .......... 82

Milton, John ........... gQ

Palmer, Matthew ... - 85

Smith, Richard ----------- 98

Speed, John ------ pi

Staines, Sir William ---------- 104

Weybridge, Rev. John --------- 106

Whitney, Constance 89

St. Giles' Church and Churchyard, from Aggas' Map of London (1556) 9

St. Giles' Churchyard — ■

Plan of - - - - - - - - - - - - 190

Drinking Fountain in (1887) 54

Great Gateway of (1660) 194

Fac-similes of —

First Minutes (1659) in Minute Book of General Vestry 162-163

First Entries in the " Grand Account " Book (1649-50) - 144-145

Page in Burial Register for August, 1665 (the Great Plague) - 20-21

F ac-simii.e Autograph of —

Robert Crowley, Vicar -------- 144

Lancelot Andrewes, Vicar - - ■ - - - - 144

Samuel Annesley, Vicar -------- 144

Sir Martin Frobisher - - - - - - - - 81

Richard Smith ---------- 100

Charles Langley - - - - - - - - - 144

Edward Harvist --------- 144

FAC-SIMILE OF William Bleyton's Mark 144

THE CHURCH AND PARISH.

OF the earliest history of the noble structure which forms the subject
of these pages very little information can now be authenticated;
but to obtain a glimpse of the surroundings and times of the original
building, let the reader allow his imagination to wander to that period
in history when the reign of our first Norman king was drawing to
a close — a time when the only place of comparative safety for life
and liberty was within, or in close proximity to, a city wall — and
then picture to himself the aspect of the immediate surroundings of the
northern side of the boundary wall of the City of London. From the
Creek of the Thames — afterwards called the Fleet Ditch — on the west,
to Bishopsgate on the east, and stretching away northward, where are
now Finsbury, Iloxton and Islington, right away to the great Essex
Forest, was an almost unbroken, dreary and impassable marsh and
swamp, quite unfit for building an edifice of any size or importance
upon. The number of houses and inhabitants no doubt were very
few, and what particular reason there may have been for building the
church without the walls does not now appear; but such being the condi-
tions and surroundings, the builder was doubtless led, in selecting a site,
to choose a spot as near as could be to the wall of the city, not only with
a view to the greater safety thus obtained, but also to secure a better

Sf. Giles, Cripplegate.

foundation for his work than could be found farther out. Possibly he
also considered the convenience of the people living within the city, the
spot chosen being very close to the postern gate — afterwards known as
the Creple or Cripplegate — leading from the city to the Barbican.

The generally accepted origin of the word Cripplegate is that at this
particular gate, cripples were in the habit of congregating to beg from
the people passing through, and hence the name. The historian Stow
seems to have started this derivation of the word, and succeeding writers
have blindly quoted from him. The late Mr. Denton, however, in his
Records of Cripplegate points out what would appear a more correct
though less interesting origin. In reference to the popular rendering,
he says: "The etymology must be sought elsewhere. Cripplegate was
a postern gate leading to the Barbican, while this watch-tower in advance
of the City walls was fortified. The road between the postern and the
"burghkenning" ran necessarily between two low walls, most likely of
earth, which formed what in fortification would be described as a
covered way. The name in Anglo-Saxon would be "Crepel," "Cryfele"
or " Crypele," a den or passage under ground, a burrow {meatus
subterraneus) and " geat " a gate, street or way. (O. Sax., gat, a hole;
Germ., gasse a thoroughfare, narrow road, see Bosworth's Ang. Sax.
Diet.) This is confirmed by the occurrence of the name in Domesday
Book, where in the Wiltshire portion we read, "To Wansdyke, thence
forth by the dyke to Crypelgeat."

In T244, Cripple-gate was " rebuilt at the cost of the brewers," of whom
there were many in the parish. Till then it had been a postern gate
only, Alders-gate having been considered sufficient to meet the require-
ments for entrance from the north, but the increased business of the
brewers rendered it advisable to provide further opening for the traffic to
and from " within the walls."

From old authorities it is found that the builder of St. Giles' Church
was one Alfune, afterwards the first Hospitaller of the Priory Church
of Saint Bartholomew, and it is worthy of note that he is related to
have given material assistance to Rahere the monk (described
by Weaver as a " pleasant, conceited, wittie gentleman "), who about
this time was erecting the neighbouring church of Saint Bartholomew.
Alfune's experience in building Saint Giles' Church was no doubt of
considerable service to Rahere in the arduous task of making good a
foundation for his church in the swampy ground. We read "It was a
work of infinite trouble and labour."

The Church and Parish.

The building of Alfune's church was completed in the year 1090 a.d.,
and it was dedicated to Saint Giles, whose festival falls on the 1st of
September, and to whom in the United Kingdom there are over 140
Churches dedicated, several of these, as here, just outside a City Gate.
St. Giles was evidently a man much revered at that time, and of whom
it is reported that he came of Royal parentage, and was born
at Athens. " He was of singular charity, and gave away much to the
poor; he even gave away the very coat from off his back to cover a
poor sick man, who as soon as he had put it on was perfectly well."
It is further related of him that " having a desire to live more solitary
from the pleasures of the world and concourse of people, he privily
departed thence into a wilderness, where he obscured himself in a
horrid cave, unto which place Charles Martell, King of France,
while hunting, accidentally came. His hounds, chasing a hind,
which hind gave milk for the sustenance of this Giles, and which flying
from the hounds to his cave for succour, the hounds, by the prayers of
Giles, were not able to pursue her farther than a stone's cast from the
cave, and after there making a stand, returned howling to the hunters.
This being reported to Charles, he with his retinue came in person to the
cave, where finding this Giles, and wondering to see so grave and holy
a man in such an uncouth place, he demanded of him what he was, and
what he did there ? Who answered that he hid himself there for Religion
and for Pietie's sake. Upon which answer and conference with him,
admiring his sanctity, he took such an affection to him that he caused a
monastery to be erected in that place, over which he made Giles governor
or abbot." The spot is where the town of Nismes now stands, and there
Saint Giles died in a.d. 700.

After the death of Alfune, the founder, we find the church in posses-
sion of one Almund, who bequeathed it, after the death of his son, to the
Canons of St. Paul's Cathedral, and through the eight intervening
centuries, the Dean and Chapter have appointed the successive
Vicars. Of the original building thus referred to, no trace now remains,
unless, as some archaeologists have thought, that — from peculiarities of
construction — the lower portion of the tower (when compared with the
architecture known to belong to that date) can claim to be part of the
original structure.

Stow, in his " Survey of London," says that " the church was at first a
small thing but hath been since at divers times much enlarged as the
Parish hath increased, and was newly builded." This took place about

B 2

vSV. Giles, Cripplcgate.

the years 1392-3. The church thus rebuilt is for the most part sub-
stantially the same as that now standing. Of its history during the three
hundred years that elapse between the founding of the original church
and this rebuilding but little record is found. That the Church had a
place in the affections of those worshipping there, cannot be doubted,
for in the Hustings Roll of the Corporation in 1274, it is recorded that
John de Hayleghe and Johanna his wife, left a house in Red Cross
Street and 1 2 pence quit-rent, towards the maintenance of the fabric of
the Church of St. Giles. Again in 1280, Geoffrey de Catenham,
painter-stainer, bequeathed a sum of money for the service of the
Church of St. Giles and for maintaining a lamp therein. Again
in 1282, Lucy, relict of Ralph Atecok, left the reversion of certain
tenements on the Moor, in trust for sale for pious uses in the
Church of St. Giles. Again, a.d. 1305, Osbert de Essex, tanner,
left by his will the sum of 12 pence charged on his house in the
parish of St. Giles without Cripplegate, towards the maintenance of
the fabric of the said Parish Church. Again, in 1307, Walter de
Bredstrete left 100 marks for the maintenance of four chaplains in the
Church of St. Giles for a term of 5 years. Again, in 1309, Richard le
Brus, tanner, devised to John and Thomas his sons, and to Matilda his
daughter, his tenement in the parish of St. Giles, to hold in successive
tail the holder for the time being maintaining thereout a wax taper of
four pounds weight, to burn before the Blessed Virgin in the said church.
Again, a.d. 1310, Albrie de Finchingfeld, son of Walter de Finchingfeld,
late Alderman, left by will a certain piece of land to be devoted to the
maintenance of the fabric of the Parish Church of St. Giles. In the
matter of chantries, on the same authority we find that a bequest was
made for a chantry by Margery de Bredstrete, relict of Walter Bredstrete,
circ. a.d. 1316. This family seem to have been closely connected with
Cripplegate, as towards the end of this century we find John de Bredstrete
bequeathing to his wife "the reversion of certain houses in St. Giles de
Crepulgate near le Juesgardyn" (Jewin Street). Thomas le Plastrer left
an annual rent of 4 shillings in support of a "fraternal" chantry in the
Church of St. Giles.

The district surrounding the Church seems to have undergone little
change; a ditch, varying from one to two hundred feet broad had
been dug round the city wall (a.d. 121 1), making firmer ground
in its immediate neighbourhood. On its banks a few houses sprang
up, but the swamps and morasses all round prevented any extensive

The Church and Parish.

building, and caused much illness — ague in the winter, and fever
and the " black death " in the summer. Stow, speaking of the time
of Edward II, says that " the space of ground between Bishopsgate
and the Cripplegate Postern, and some distance north in Finsbury, was
let at four marks per annum." This absurdly low price, even for that
time, will give an idea of the little value attached to the land in this
vicinity. The character of the district may also be inferred from the
fact that, at this time, there was a " Fishery " in Moorfields, belonging
to the City, of which it was deprived some few years afterwards. From
a.d. 1250 to 1300, the Hustings Roll shows that goldbeaters, filhackeres
(file hackers), cordwainers, pelterers (skin dressers), pepperers (grocers),
bladers (bladesmiths*), curriers, skinners, moniers (minters or makers of
coins), spurriers (spur makers), tanners, plasterers, frippeurs (dealers in
old clothes), all resided in this district. Grobbe or Grubbe Street seems
to have been the principal Street, and we even find the church called
St. Giles de Grubbe Street. Redcross Street is also often mentioned. A
tenement willed by Hugh Moton, the City Chamberlain, in a.d. 1284, is
described as near "la Redcruche Street." "More Street," also occasionally
occurs. Tanners seem to have been especially plentiful. In 1348, the
year of the " Black Death," when so many citizens perished, one John
Baudri, a tanner, of the Moor, desires in his will to be buried near the
tomb of his father in the churchyard of St. Giles Cripplegate.

An effort seems to have been made to remedy the unhealthy state of the
district in 14 14, by digging ditches to drain the Moor, and by making
paths and causeways across it to Finsbury, and even further north.
Stow, writing of this, says " Of these Moorfields you have formerly read
what a moorish rotten ground they were — impassable but for the
causeways purposely made to that intent." Of the church itself we
can obtain no glimpse, but parishioners and others were no doubt still
active in contributing to the support of its services and of the fabric
itself. In Ur. Furnivall's "Fifty earliest English Wills," we find in 1439,
Sir Ralph Rochefort (who was buried in the church) giving his best
horse as a burial fee, 20s. each to Lincoln Cathedral and St. Giles,
Cripplegate, this last for the maintenance of the fabric, and after other
bequests, the residue to his executors to be applied to pious uses for the
good of testator's soul. In 1450, we find "Articles agreed upon by the
Company of Painters in London, for supporting a light before the images

*This is given on the authority of Stow, but Riley, in his " Memorials," says that
a "blader" was a cornmonger.

of the Virgin and St. Luke in the Church of St. Giles, without Cripple-
gate," and from this time to 1550, there are many presentations of
chantries to the church. Amongst others, the Fraternity of Our Lady of
St. Giles, founded by John Ballincer and others, who gave to the Master
and Wardens of the same Fraternity to find a Chaplain and two lights
there, ^13 17s. \d. per annum. The value of house property can best
be judged from an Inquisition at Guildhall, 18 and 19 Henry 6th, into
the possessions of St. Peter, Westminster. Among these are "4 tene-
ments in the More in the Parish of St. Giles, which are worth by the
year 32 shillinges, also 4 ditto in Grub Street, at 32 shillings."

During the fifteenth century little or no record is given as to the state
of the Parish; probably no further improvements were made, as owing to
the Wars of the Roses then raging, and the general lawlessness of the
period, honest men preferred to live within the protection of the city
walls, and enjoy the privileges of citizenship, from which they were
debarred if living without. The drainage having improved the land
however, we find it used for agricultural purposes, " yeomen " being
referred to as of the neighbourhood. The few "houses" then existing
were, for the most part, miserable wooden sheds, or thatched mud and
clay cottages, without chimneys or glazed windows — the wretched
inhabitants living and sleeping in one room, on their palettes of rushes,
hay and straw, and with the most filthy surroundings, ready to fall an
easy prey to the prevalent fevers, plague, and other diresome diseases.

During the more settled and peaceful reigns of Henry the Seventh
and Henry the Eighth, Cripplegate enjoyed, with the rest of the country,
security, and therefore prosperity. At this period, the Hustings Roll gives,
in addition to those before mentioned, the following trades as carried on
in the Parish : In 14S4 a husbandman, a sherman (a shearer of cloth),
a yeoman, a cheseman, a mercer, and a butcher are mentioned; and
from 1500 to 1550, bowmakers, tallow chandlers, bierbruers, pewterers,
haberdashers, gardyners, " brownbakers," vintners, "owners of tenter
yardes," gurdelers (girdlers), are mentioned as parties to various deeds.
The names of the signs (not restricted as now to public houses), are very
varied, such as " The Cok and the Hynde," " le Crowne," " le Round-
hope," "le Home in the Hope," "le Harpe on the Hope," "le Doggeshed
in le Potte," "le Castell," described as in Grubstrete and Fore Street; "le
Christopher," " The Faucon," " The Swaune," at the corner of Golding
Lane and Whitecross Street ; " The Hartshorne," " The Cross Keyes,"
"The Swanne with two Neckes," "le Aqua Vite House," "The Mayden-

The Church and Parish.

head in Moore Lane " ; " The Redcrosse," in Grub Street. In the same
deeds are mentioned "gardens in Whitecrosse Strete," "Barbycan
Strete," "a brewhouse near Jewin Gardens," and " More Lane." "Grub
Street" also called "High Street," "le Morestrete " occurs; and present
dwellers in Redcross Street should mark " Redecrowchestrete." Further
work was done towards reclaiming the Moor. Stow tells us that in
15 1 2 "The Maior caused divers Dikes to be cast and made to drein
the waters of the said Morefield, with Bridges arched over them, and
the ground levelled. Whereby the fair field was made somewhat more
commodious, but yet at flood full of noisome waters" ; and again in
1527, that "The Maior caused divers sluices to be made to convey the
said water over the Town Ditch into the course of the Walbrook." This
improved condition of the moor caused many of the nobility and gentry
to build for themselves residences in the district, and documents in the
Rolls Office for 1522, under heading St. Giles' Without Crepulgate,
show the increased value of land, and also the difference in the class
of the inhabitants.

Lady Mary Willoughby, in lands yearly, 500 marks; in goods, 600 marks.

Mr. Garter Principal King of Arms, ^40.

Charles Wreothesle, in lands and fees, ^38 6s. &d. ; in goods, ^40.

Norre King of Arms, in goods, ^40 ; in fees, ^20.

Sir William Bulmer, in lands, ^30.

The Brotherhood of our Lady and St. Giles, in lands, ^30 ; in
goods, ^60.

The aristocracy of the neighbourhood evidently availed themselves
of the services of their Parish (St. Giles') Church. Many were
baptized, married, and buried there, though the monuments and brasses
placed on the walls to their memory were unfortunately destroyed in a
fire, a.d. 1545 (described later on). "By which mischance," says Stow,
" the monuments of the dead are now very few."

The following extract shows the value of houses : — 1526 — "Plouse in
Crepulgate belonging to the late monastery of Lesnes, granted to
Thomas Chamberleyn, of London, Pewterer, for 31 years, at 31^."
Bell foundries, of which there were many in the Parish in the seventeenth
century, were in full operation ; the following curious entry occurs —
1524 — in an account of "Revels at Greenwich" — under Lord Leonard
Gray, brother to " Markus Dorset " : —

" Bought at Krepyllgaat a metal bell for the watch bell of the Castle,
8s. ; Timber for ye four shields, and painting them, gs. ^d. ; 2 bundles

of brown paper for the unicorn and mountain of rock, 2s. ; 4-lbs. of
glue, is. ; a bushel of wheat-flour for paste, i6d. ; 16 hoops and 400
spleters 'for inbossing of the best' and repairing the mountain, 2 2d. ;
2-cwt. of rope, 3U. 3^/."

In addition to these honest traders, we find a less desirable class of
people settling down in the rear of Fore Street, Grub Street (now Milton
Street) and Moor Lane, comprising a large sprinkling of counterfeit-
coiners, receivers of stolen goods, ale house keepers of bad repute, and
also many foreigners or "Strangers," who, through the natural jealousy of
the City freemen and apprentices, were driven here for shelter. Beggars
and rogues seem to have been well looked after, however. In 15 19
occurs the following entry : —

"Idle, vagrant, and suspicious persons taken by the Mayor and Alder-
men of London in their several Wards upon Sunday night (8th July)
last past, by the commandment of the King's most honourable Council
at 12 o'clock at midnight — 'Three' were found in Cripplegate."

Such, briefly, was the character of the inhabitants and surroundings of
the church during this period, which itself must have had an uneventful
time, as little mention is found of it in contemporary chronicles, till we
come to "The Fire," which took place, as before mentioned, in 1545.

In a short contemporary " London Chronicle," the following
notice of it is given : — " The xij day of September, Saturday, in the
morning, about five of the klock, was Saynt Jyles's Church burnd, belles
and alle, w'out Crepellgate " ; or as another chronicler puts it : — " Item,
the xij day of September, of iiij cloke in the morning, was Sent Gylles's
Church at Creppyllgate burned, alle hole, save the walles, stepall, and
alle, and how it came God knoweth." Wriothesley, who was a resident
in Cripplegate, and possibly an eye witness, says: — "The 12th daie of
September, about fower of the clocke in the morninge, the church of
St. Giles without Criplegate was espied on fire, which church, with the
steeple and bells, was cleene burned before seaven of the clocke in the
same morning, the stone walles onelie saved, which could not burne,
by what means no man could tell." The variety of the orthography,
especially of the proper names, is remarkably characteristic of the
age. The fire was confined to the interior; the walls appear to have
sustained little damage, probably owing to their great thickness, those in
the tower being nearly five feet of solid masonry ; the whole seems to
have been speedily restored, but the great loss to the antiquary and
archaeologist was the destruction of the brasses and monuments, and

The Church and Parish.

of the books and papers concerning the vicars and various officers of
the church — this was irreparable. Between this time and the end of the
century the parish seems to have become more thickly peopled, especially
at the western end, but there was still much vacant land, especially in
the Moorfields. The contrast between the number of houses within
the walls, and those without, is very great — as is very clearly shown in
the map below (taken from Aggas' Map of London, 1556). This map

also very clearly delineates the city wall, with the ditch flowing round
it, and also the area of the churchyard, but the outline of the church
is but indistinctly given. At this time the ditch must have been a
freely running stream, as Stow speaks of the "quantity of good fish
taken in it."

In this early period many distinguished persons were interred in or
around the church, amongst others : Sir Ralph Rochefort, 1439 ;
Reginald, Earl of Kent, 1530; Sir Harry Grey, Earl of Kent, 1562;
Reginald Grey, Earl of Kent, 1573; Thomas Hawley, King of Arms,
1575 j Sir John Wriothesley, Garter King at Arms, 158S (Weaver,

io St. Giles, Cripplcgate.

in his "Funeral Monuments," says: — "Here, under a large marble
stone [whereupon no inscription is at this day remaining, neither any
effigies of the deceased left, both of which were inlaid and engraven
upon the monument] lieth the body of Sir John Wriothesley, Knight
Garter Principle King at Armes ") ; John Fox, author of the " Acts and
Monuments of the Church" commonly called the "Book of Martyrs,"
1587; Robert Glover, Somerset Herald at Arms. Newcourt says, "Here
likewise lay interred the body of Robert Glover, Somerset Herald, an
indefatigable searcher after antiquities, over whose grave is a comely
monument on the South wall of the Choir"; also in 1594, Sir Martin
Frobisher, the great arctic voyager and fellow-worker with Drake, in
his West Indian expeditions ; and one who had no small share in the
glory of the defeat of the Spanish Armada — commanding one of the
largest of our ships, and receiving the honour of Knighthood (during
the twelve days' fight) at the hands of Lord Howard of Effingham.

Machyn's Diary of events happening between 1550 and 1570 gives
interesting accounts of baptisms and burials in the Parish Church of
St. Giles, which seems to have been a fashionable church at this time for
such ceremonies. There seems to have been as much fuss and ceremony
over the one as the other, and the "good chere" was not the least part
of the function.

1556-7. — "The xxx day of January was bered Master[ess] Ogull, the
wyff of Master Ogull, in the parryche [church of] Sant Gylles with-out
Crepulgatt, with ij whytt branchys, and a dosen staffe torchys, and iiij
grett gylt candlystykes, and with iiij grett tapurs and armes upon them,
and ij dosen of skochyons of armes and a black frere dyd pryche at
masse for here."

1561. — "The xvj day of July was cristened Robard Dethyke the sune
of ser Gylbartt Dethyke, Garter, in the parryche of sent Gylles withowt
Crepull-gatte, and the chyrche hangyd with clothes of arrys and the cloth
of state, and strode with gren rysses and strode with orbese, and ser
Wylliam Huett depute for my lord of Shrowsbere and master Care
depute for my lord Honsdon, and my lade Sakefeld the quen['s] depute ;
and after wafurs and epocrasse grett plente, and myche pepull ther, and
my lade Yorke bare my lade depute's trayne ; and so horn to here plase,
and had a bankett."

1562. — "The xxx day of September was rayles mad at Sant [Giles's
with] wtt Crepull-gatte and hanged with blake and armes [for the]
gentyll knyght ser Hare Gray, and was brodur unto the [Earl of Kent]

The Church and Parish. 1 1

with ij haroldes of armes, Master Clarenshux Kynge, and Ruge-crosse
pursewantt of Armes, and he bare the helme and [crest, master]
Clarenshux the cott of armes and then the standard and [banners of]
armes ; and the clarke syngyng ; and then the corse covered [with a
bla]ke velvett pall with a whyt crosse of saten and armes a-p[on it] and
many morners in blake ; and ther dyd pryche Master [Nowell] the
[dean of] Powlles ; and after he was bered home to the plase to d[inner,
where] there was good chere, dener after dener tyll iiij of the [clock]."
(The words in brackets are supplied by the Editor of the " Diary.")

St. Giles' Registers record the two last more tersely : —

" Robert Dethyke the sone of Mr> Garter was christened ye xvi day of
July, 1 561."

" Sr- Harry Graye, Knight was buried the last day of September, 1562."

As an illustration of the general state of the Parish, of the crimes com-
mitted therein, and their subsequent penalties — the following extracts
from the " Middlesex Sessions Rolls " will be interesting : —
I555- — Philip and Mary —

"A Coroner's inquisition post-mortem taken at St. Giles Without
Cripplegate, on a man who died suddenly, while making hay in a field
called ' Fyve Acres Fielde.' "

1561-2. — 4th year of Queen Elizabeth —

" True bill— That on the highway of Fynnesbury, in St. Giles Without
Criplegate, two men assaulted Henry Byrkened, of Lincolne's Inne,
gentleman, and robbed him of a crymson sattin purse, with a key
annexed to it, a gold ring set with two precious stones called a Turkeis
and a Rubey, a hat, a linen kerchief, a sorrell gelding and a saddle.
Sentence — to be hung."

1580-1. — 23rd year of Queen Elizabeth —

Richard Baker " did enter into recognizances to appear at the next
Gaol delivery, for that hee killed a sheepe of two yeres olde for a lame
(sic/), and so sold it to the disayte of the Queens subjects, and for
killinge an sellinge victualls on the Sabothe days."

(In one of these Rolls of this same year occurs the name of the
parish spelt variously — Creppelgate, Crippelgate, and Criplegate— and in
another of the same year, Creplegate.)

1584-5. — 2'jth year of Queen Elizabeth —

A fight recorded— " Ralph Nashe being armed with a 'bearing bille,'
and Richard Blisse with a 'pyked staffe.' "

12 St. Giles, Cripplcgate.

1587-8. — joth year of Queen Elizabeth —

Coroner's inquest post-mortem taken at " Fynnesbury," on the body
of a man killed, as follows : —

"Wm. Pennington was walking to the House of Francis , in

St. Giles, Without Creplegate, tallow-chandler, when he was assaulted
by the above man and 3 other persons, who came upon him with swords
and daggers drawn, and before whom he retreated until he came to a
post called ' the rayles,' then drew forthwith his sword and dagger, and
lawfully defended himself, and in the affray he gave one of his assailants
a blow on the thigh, of which he died, then and there."
1587-8. — joth year of Queen Elizabeth —

"At Finnesberrie, in the Parish of St. Giles Without, Creplegate,

slew and murdered by giving him a sword wound

in the left side of the breast, of which wound he died instantly."
1596-7. — jpth year of Queen Elizabeth —

" True bill — That in a certain close called ' Bastion's Close,' in the
parish of St. Giles, Creplegate, Edward Harewood, late of London, gentle-
man, assaulted Adam Crosby, gentleman, and then and there, with a sword,
gave him a mortal blow, of which he died instantly. On his arraignment,
Edward Harewood put himself 'Not Guilty' of Murder, but 'Guilty' of
Manslaughter, and on asking for the book, read like a clerk, whereupon
he was branded with the letter T, and delivered according to statute.'"
1597-8. — 40th year of Queen Elizabeth —

"in a field on the back side of the Peste House, with a

rapiour, gave his right breast a blow, of which he died instantly."

Many more such entries could be quoted, but these will suffice to
show the dangerous and lawless state of the parish at this time. No
mercy was shown to any found tampering with the coin of the realm
(for which failing Cripplegate had a bad reputation). Quoting again
the " Middlesex Sessions Rolls," under 7th year of James, we get

" True Bill. Traitorously and feloniously diminishing certain

moneys by clipping and filing them, to wit, two silver pieces called
King James' shillinges, nine silver pieces called Elizabeth's shillinges,
one silver piece called Phillipp and Mary shillinge, two silver pieces
called King James' halfe-shillinges, and nineteen silver pieces called
Elizabeth's half-shillinges. Found Guilty, and sentenced to be taken
from the court in which they were arraigned to Newgate Gaol, thence
to Tyburne gallows, and there to be executed as traitors, with all the
usual incidents of such an execution."

The Church and Parish.

The religious difficulties of the time seem, too, to have found their way
into the parish—

In a list of names and addresses of certain Papists in London (1578)
with particulars of those who keep chaplains, attend mass, &c, occur
the names of Baron Browne and Baron Lord of the Exchequer, of
Redcross Street. These were Romanists who had evidently taken the
oath of allegiance to the Queen, and were unmolested. The Romanists
who refused the oath of allegiance (recusants as they were called) were
active and numerous in the district. "On the 6th July, 1582, when the
sexton came to ring the bell in the morning to the lecture at six o'clock
he found in the church porch a seditious pamphlet which he shewed to
Mr. Crowley the minister who delivered it to me immediately after the
end of his sermon (Sig) Jo : Hammond." Dr. Hammond, who thus
forwarded the pamphlet to the Secretary of State, was Commissary to the
Bishop of London at the time, and resided in Cripplegate. Twelve years
later, no fewer than twelve of these recusants from Golding Lane were
either under close surveillance, or in close keeping in the Counter,
Newgate or Finsbury prisons. One of their haunts is thus described :
" In Mrs. Rigsbys house in Old Street behind Golden Lane there is a
vault under the stairs going up to a chamber where two or three may be
hid and a place on the top of the stairs where they can take up the
boards to go down to the vault."

The three following extracts from the Middlesex Session Rolls refer to
the same class of individuals : —

I5g8-g. — 41st year of Queen Elizabeth — •

"Amongst Forty True Bills for not going to Church, Chapel, or any
usual place of Common Prayer for six months, was one against Nicholas
Crudde, late of Golding Lane, in St. Giles Without, Criplegate, yeoman."
1 611— 12. — gth year of King James I —

True Bill for the same offence — on the 24th June, and during the
three months next following, against one "gentleman," and three
" spinsters," and later on another case of a " yeoman," and again of six
more — all of Creplegate.

1620-1. — 18th year of King fames I —

" Recognizances to appear at next Sessions of the Peace for

Middlesex, then and there for doying worshipp at Tyborne, and denyinge
the oath of allegiance."

Notwithstanding the state of the parish above described, the great
number of poor house-holders therein (according to returns made, in

14 St. Giles, Cripplcgate.

1595 as many as 466 needed relief, being second on the list for the
whole city), and the statement of a letter writer a few years later,
that, "there is more elbow room, but scant better air than in Little
Britain," many noblemen and gentlemen selected Cripplegate for
their town residences, whose country homes in 1595 were in "Essex,
Somerset, Cambridge, Kente, Northampton, Hartford, Gloucester,
Lincolne, Norfolk and Sussex." At this time numbers of minstrels lived
in the Parish : probably the Fortune and Red Bull Playhouses might
have caused their residence here. During the last 20 years of this
century over 40 are referred to in the Registers. Brewing also was a
great trade in the Parish, over 70 brewers, exclusive of brewers' servants,
are referred to during the same time. That great and noble man Sir
Humphrey Gilbert also lived here, as is testified by a letter dated Feb. 27,
1583, and addressed from his house in Redcross Street, to Walsingham,
Secretary of State to Queen Elizabeth, wherein he states " his reason
why he cannot comply with Her Majesty's solicitude for him to stay
at home from the personal execution of his intended discovery," " he is
sanguine of success and willing to be opposed by all the best navigators
and cosmographers of the realm." " The extreme winter weather alone
had delayed him." How the Queen was prevailed on to grant his
request, and allow him to set out on his ill-fated expedition, which was
to settle Newfoundland and search the southern coast of America, and
how, after many mutinies and desertions of his men, and loss of several
ships, he re-embarked on the Squirrel, a little vessel of only 10 tons,
and in company with two others only, the Delight and the Golden Hind,
set sail for England, to be caught in a terrific storm off the Azores — is
well known — his memorable words, " Be of good heart, my friends :
we are as near Heaven by sea as by land," will not soon be forgotten.
The end has been graphically described by Hayes, a member of the
expedition : —

" The same Monday about twelve of the clock, or not long after, the
frigate (the Squirrel) being ahead of us in the Golden Hind, suddenly
her lights went out and withal our watch cried, ' The General was cast
away,' which was true, for in that moment the frigate was devoured
and swallowed up by the sea."

Cripplegate is honoured by such a man having lived in her midst, and
one can readily picture a friendship existing between him and Sir Martin
Frobisher (before mentioned as being buried here) who had sailed the
same seas before him. It was to men of their character and to their

The Church and Parish. 15

example, that the noble public spirit displayed by all classes during the
glorious reign of Queen Elizabeth is due. We find the men of
Cripplegate forward in doing their duty in all good works, especially
in helping their poorer fellow-parishioners, for from this time the
majority of the Charities for which the Parish is noted, are dated.
Many monuments, such as those of Busby, Langley, Day and Mason
are placed on the walls of the Church, commemorating the men and
their work (see Monuments).

Their confidence in the Vicars and Churchwardens must have been
great, as many gifts were made such as follows : —

In 1603, there was given the Vicar and Churchwardens for their sole
use an "orchard." No trust is mentioned.

The commencement of the seventeenth century saw great improve-
ments in the vicinity of the Church. During the Mayoralty of Sir
Leonard Halliday (a.d. 1605), the Moor was laid out in pleasant
gravelled walks and planted on all sides with rows of trees, at the
large outlay of ,£5,000, and became a fashionable rendezvous for the
nobility and gentry living in the parish, and the adjoining district of
Aldersgate ; the Moor Ditch, however, was- a constant source of trouble
and danger to health; in 1603, we find an order "that the Moor Ditch
be cleaned, and the expense divided between Middlesex and the City."
The northern part of the parish, about Redcross and Whitecross Streets,
was being rapidly covered with houses inhabited by respectable traders.
There were several ale and beer brewers who gave largely to the Parish
charities ; bell and general metal foundries were also in full operation.
The gold and silver thread industry, too, was largely cultivated. Fifty
years later " Milton " had two of his daughters taught the trade, " to
enable them to support themselves if required to do so," The estimates
of the number of the population at this time are very varied, but there
were probably not less than 10,000 persons in the whole district now
known as St. Giles, Cripplegate, and St. Luke's, Middlesex, but then
designated respectively the Freedom and the Lordship parts of
Cripplegate.

Returning to the church itself, in June, 16 12, an entry in the Church-
wardens' accounts of Sworder's gifts, shows that " ^50 was taken out of
Sworder's money in the chest in the Quest House, and given to the
Churchwardens for the New Year, to be employed in building a gallery
to the Church," and again in 1623, according to Stow (without whose
writings the early history of Cripplegate and its Church would have been

impossible) " all the roof over the chancel was on the outside repaired,
and in the inside very curiously clouded," and again "in the years of our
Lord 1624 and 1626, the two side galleries were built, very fair and
spacious," and " in the year of our Lord 1629, the steeple being much
decayed was repaired, all the four spires (standing in the four towers at
the four corners of it) taken down : and with new and very substantial
timber work rebuilt, and with lead fresh cast new covered; every one of
these spires being enlarged something in the compass, a great deal in
height, but most in their stately, eminent and graceful appearance. In
the midst of these, where there was none before, gracing and being
graced by them, was a very fair turret erected ; the head of it (which
much overpeered these spires) covered with lead, as also the props that
support it : this and the spires having every one a cross with very fair
vanes upon them. The charge of all this I could not certainly get
(1633), and would not uncertainly speak it, but the greatness of the
things speaks the cost to be great, all being the sole charge of the
parishioners." Unfortunately no illustration of this turret can be found.

From 1629 to 1658 no information is forthcoming as to repairs;
probably in consequence of the unsettled times for the nation generally,
nothing was done, but in the latter year the middle aisle was relaid and
the other aisles repaired with eight-inch coloured tiles ; further repairs
and " beautifyings " were effected in 1660, 1662, and 1669; more
extensive alterations in 1672, and the tower heightened in 1682.

Before giving an account of these, it is necessary to give some idea of
the parish as affected by the troubles of the Civil Wars, the Protectorate
of Oliver Cromwell, the Great Plague, and Fire of London. During the
wars between King Charles and his Parliament, when both parties were
in the field, the Cripplegate men seem to have taken their full share in
helping to maintain the liberty of their country ; we find them drilling in
their churchyard, preparatory to joining the Parliamentary Forces. In
1647 the Committee of the Militia of London offer to assist the Parlia-
ment in case of danger of a riot, with the aid of " a trayned band in
Cripplegate Churchyard." Entries such as the following are significant
of the coming troubles : — ■

1627. — "Return of Alderman Heylin for the Ward of Cripplegate,
of such as refused to pay the ' loan ' (?) or have removed, or have paid
elsewhere."

The names of such as say they have paid elsewhere, but show no
discharge, are given : —

The Church and Parish. 17

" Kent. — Sir Wm. Twysden ^"50 land."

" Middlesex. — The Lady Bartley ,£20 land."

"Norfolk. — *Sir Roger Townsend ,£30 ,,

"Essex. — Seargent Bramstone ^15 „

1627. — "Names of those who, with reference to the 'loan,' have
conformed or referred themselves."

1640. — " A list of inhabitants who are able to 'lend' to the King."

Ecclesiastical troubles were arising, dissent from the doctrines of the
Established Church was growing in intensity, and many extravagant
ideas were promulgated and practised — see the following Extract : —

1639. — "A man named Eaton, a cracked-brained enthusiast, died in
the parish, and was buried by some 200 Brownists and Anabaptists, in
Bethlem Burying Ground." A memorandum addressed to a Mr. Alsop
(a printer in the parish?) states that "they, like so many 'Bedlams,'
cast the corpse in, and with their feet instead of spades, cast and
thrust in the mould till the grave was almost full ; they then paid the
gravemaker for his pains, who told them he must fetch a minister,
but they said he might spare his labours." A Mr. Alsop, Printer
(of Grub Street), was, in 1649, bound over in ^300, and two sureties of
^300 each, "not to print any seditious or unlicensed bookes or pictures,
nor suffer his presses to be used for any such purpose," and at the same
time, John Clowes, also of Grub Street, and Adam Hare, of Redcross
Street, were bound over to the same effect. In 1653 an order was made
to the Keeper of the Gatehouse to take into custody John Clowes, for
printing a libellous paper called " A charge against the Lord-General."

Religious intolerance here, as elsewhere, prevailed.

1635. — "Several persons from Cripplegate appeared before the Court
of High Commission, and were admonished to appear that day fortnight.
It was referred to Dr. Goudge to certify on that day what hope there was
of their being reclaimed from their schismatical opinions."

1635. — -"A cutler of St. Giles Without Cripplegate, was monished to
answer new additional, and to be examined before next Court day, or
else to be attached and re-committed."

In the year 1651 the Parish must have witnessed a scene of great
excitement. At a review of the Trained bands in Moorfields, a copy of

* In 1586 the mansion of Roger Townsend was among the garden houses of Redcross Street. He
was knighted with Frobisher, Hawkins and others, during the fight with the Spanish Armada in 1588.
The marriage of a La: Jane Townesend is entered in 1597. If this Sir Roger be the same, he must
now have been an old man.

the King's summons to the Corporation of London was burnt by the
Common Hangman at the head of every regiment.

Rulers in those times had so much to think about in maintaining
their authority, that they could not trouble themselves to consider
such a small item as the health of their subjects; and although the
condition of this parish had been greatly improved during the early part
of the seventeenth century, the sanitary conditions therein left very much
to be desired ; no regular drainage or scavengering was dreamt of, the
consequence being that the Plague was constantly raging with more or
less virulence. In 1635 we read that the "Lord Mayor and the Council
appointed the Commissioners of Sewers, and Inigo Jones, the King's
Surveyor-General of Works, to make inquiry concerning the great annoy-
ance caused by the ' Moorditch,' and to agree upon a remedy." There
seems to have been a flood-gate of the main sewer which, when over-
charged with land water, discharged itself into the Moorditch, which then
became full, and a fruitful source of infection. The remedy suggested
was to make from the Moorditch to the Minories a large strong vaulted
sewer, 4 feet in breadth, and 6 feet in height, and to fill up entirely
the Moorditch. It is not to be wondered at that the Plague scourge
was unusually severe in Cripplegate. At this time (1636) there were
no less than 2,491 burials on the register book for the year, being
three times the number for either the preceding or succeeding years;
and, as showing the terror and inhuman conduct of the time, we give
an order of the Privy Council to the Lord Mayor of London, 1636,
"It is a common practice among the Dutch and French Congregations to
send consolators from house to house, to visit the sick; they continue
to send these to houses infected with Plague. That there be no such
visits made where the Plague is, and if they will not forbear, he is to take
care that such consolators be shut up in the houses infected."

In spite of this severe outbreak, the suggested remedy, a new sewer, was
still, in 1636, not effected. The Privy Council again thought it time to
bestir themselves, and in September, 1638, addressed themselves to
the Lord Mayor, thus: — "His Majesty and His Board have been
acquainted by Lord Cottington that the King's pleasure, being by him
signified to you, for removing the great annoyance that is given by the
Moor Ditch, you undertook that it should be set in hand and finished in
the time of your Mayoralty — there being a good sum of money levied for
that work above two years since. Complaint has again been made that
there has been nothing done, but that the annoyance has grown to be

The Church and Parish. 19

more noisome. We are to let you know that His Majesty takes very ill
your great neglect in performance of his commands and your own
engagement, albeit we cannot hope you can now absolutely remove that
annoyance in the time of your government of the City, yet you are
forthwith to cause an entrance to be made, and to put it in a good way
to be finished, that His Majesty and the Board be no more troubled."

The Ditch encircling the city wall has been spoken of as "a running
stream," but constant work was needed to keep it so, and after the last
serious attempt in 1595, when, though two-fifteenths were granted for
that purpose, the part between Bishopsgate and Moorgate only was
cleansed, the Cripplegate portion being allowed gradually to fill up.

In the 1633 Edition of Stow, the site of the ditch from Moorgate to
Cripplegate is said to be " partly occupied by gardens, partly built on."

In addition to these great sources of danger, the parish must have
been in a generally unhealthy and unsanitary condition, as is evidenced
by the fact that from the Lord Mayor to the humblest citizen all were
alike negligent of their duties. See the following, from an extract of the
Court Roll of the Manor of Finsbury, now St. Luke : —

1636. — "John Downhame, clerke, dwelling near Bunhill Fields,
presented for keeping swine to the common annoyance of His Majesty's
subjects, and amerced 3s. 4^." There are many entries such as this.
And again — ■

" Reginald Foster, of Redcross Street, presented for suffering seven of
his houses in Whitecross Street to lie worn and ruinate to the harbouringe
of rogues and vagabonds ; also amerced."

At the same Court we find the " Lord Maior and Aldermen of the
Citie of London presented for not repairing the highway leading from
the pound belonging to the said Manor, and for not repairing the said
pound, and the stocks, and cage, and for not maintaining a pillorie and
ducking-stool there as it ought to be and amerced."

The shop-keepers, too, seem to have been lacking in honesty, especially
chandlers, of whom there were many in the parish — as we find at this
same presentment, seven in Whitecross Street, one in Golden Lane, and
one in Chiswell Street, fined for using light weights ; and nine bakers
were fined for the same offence.

The same Roll says that four persons from White Cross Street and six
from Old Street were fined for keeping swine. Some of these aggravated
their offence by refusing to open their doors to the beadle. One person
was fined for not cleansing the common sewer; ten in Whitecross Street

c 2

20 St. Giles, Cripp legate.

for not amending their pavements. One was summoned for not carrying
away the soil cast out by her tenants dwelling in Cocke Yard, near
the Cage in Old Street.

The Roll concludes with this Manorial regulation : — " All and every
person and persons dwelling in said Manor suffering their hogs or swine
to range the streets within the limits of the said Manor are amerced
in \2d. — 6d. to the scavenger who drives them to the pound and 6d.
poundage for every hogge or swine so straying."

Taking into consideration the dirty and unwholesome habits of the
majority of the inhabitants, and the filthy state of the courts and alleys
that then closely intersected the parish, one does not wonder at the
Plague making it a stronghold. Many precautions were taken against
the spread of the disease, but in those "good old times" the greatest
preventative of all — personal and general cleanliness — was little thought
of, and less practised.

The Parish Registers tell a gruesome tale of the many Plague years.
In 1603 there were 2,879 burials; again in 1625, 3,570; in 1636, 2,491;
in 1641, 1,650; and from 1654 to 1664 more than 1,000 burials each
year, culminating in 1665 with a total of a little under 8,000. Above all
the other City Parishes, the following description of the terror inspired
by these awful visitations might be applied to Cripplegate. It is taken
from an old publication entitled "The wonderful year of 1603, wherein
is shewed the Picture of London lying sicke of the Plague."

" Never did the English nation behold so much blacke worne as there
was at her funeral (Queen Elizabeth). It was then put on to try if it
were fit ; for the great day of mourning was set downe in the booke of
Heaven to be held afterwards." After describing the night, the writer
says, "the tedious minutes of the night stretch oute the sorrowes of ten
thousand. It is now daye. Let us look forth and try what consolation rises
with the sun. Not any, Not any; for before the jewel of the morning be
fully set in silver, hundred hungry graves stand gaping ; and every one of
them (as at a breakfast) hath swallowed downe ten or eleven lifeless
carcases. Before dinner in the same gulfe are twice as many more
devoured, and before the sun takes rest those numbers are doubled."

This vivid description of the Plague of 1603 must be magnified three
fold to give the full terror of the outbreak of 1665.

The first cases in Cripplegate occurred on June 2nd, when a man died
in Goswell Street and another in Old Street; the number of cases
gradually increased, there being 191 burials in June, 1,346 in July, 3,556

The Church and Parish.

in August, 1,757 in September, and 412 in October. The entries of the
burials in July take up 71 pages of the Register Book, those in August
1 01 pages, and in September 54 pages. They are faultlessly written
(see specimen page), evidently at some subsequent time from rough
copies made at the time of burial.

When the Plague was at its height, in the month of August, as men-
tioned, no fewer than 3,556 entries are given — by far the greater number
as dying of the Plague — and comparing this with a register of only 74
deaths in the corresponding month of the next year, the contrast is
very startling. In all, nearly 5,000 deaths are recorded as from the
Plague, and 3,000 from other causes during the year, and there is every
reason to believe that of the latter many were also Plague cases, and
also that numbers were buried either in the Churchyard or the Pest
House, or in Bunhill Fields without any entry being made — the terror
and overwhelming confusion of the time being so great. The Register
Book shows that over 180 persons were buried in the Church during this
year. The rest (with a few solitary exceptions) are entered as buried
either "above" or "below," that is, in the Pest House Burying ground,
or in the one surrounding the Church. The number of burials in this
comparatively small space, with the 1,196 loads of earth mentioned
below, fully accounts for the great height of the Churchyard above the
floor of the Church and the neighbouring streets.

The Vicar (Dr. Pritchett) fled to the country. No Vestry Meeting
was held between March, 1665, and September of the same year. Three
of the Churchwardens died — two of them and the Parish Clerk in the
month of August. The Sexton, Ferdinand Sotheran, died on 5th July,
and it was not until September, when the disease had somewhat
moderated, that his successor, Meacham, was appointed. The Vestry
Minute says "that much damage and loss is daily occasioned by the
lack of the Sexton." Very probably the majority of the Vestrymen
suffered the same fate, and there was no responsible official left to relieve
the poor who escaped, or to carry on the ordinary work of the Parish.

The poor working class and shopkeepers suffered greatly, but they
were not the only ones, for by reference to the burials in the Register
Book we find entries of 41 in August, 62 in September, and 17 in
October, described as gentlemen, gentlewomen, or children of such ; thus
showing that the well-to-do did not all run away from their "poorer
neighbours." Seven servants of Ralph Tasker, Deputy, died within these
three months.

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The Church and Parish.

When the Plague was at its height, in the month of August, as men-
tioned, no fewer than 3,556 entries are given — by far the greater number
as dying of the Plague — and comparing this with a register of only 74
deaths in the corresponding month of the next year, the contrast is
very startling. In all, nearly 5,000 deaths are recorded as from the
Plague, and 3,000 from other causes during the year, and there is every
reason to believe that of the latter many were also Plague cases, and
also that numbers were buried either in the Churchyard or the Pest
House, or in Bunhill Fields without any entry being made — the terror
and overwhelming confusion of the time being so great. The Register
Book shows that over 180 persons were buried in the Church during this
year. The rest (with a few solitary exceptions) are entered as buried
either " above " or " below," that is, in the Pest House Burying ground,
or in the one surrounding the Church. The number of burials in this
comparatively small space, with the 1,196 loads of earth mentioned
below, fully accounts for the great height of the Churchyard above the
floor of the Church and the neighbouring streets.

22 St Giles, Cripplegate.

The variety of the occupations of those who died is curious. In two
days in August the following occur : — glover, hat band maker, servant,
button maker, throster, coppersmith, wiredrawer, scavenger, gardener,
attorney, glazier, haberdasher, soldjer, looking-glass maker, leather
dresser, plasterer, upholster, inckhorne maker, instrument maker, sugar
baker, smith, broaker, cooper, clothworker, threadman, cordwainer,
carman, porter, victualler, weaver, labourer, bricklayer, tailor, sawyer,
butcher, brazier, joiner, carpenter, mariner, seaman, baker, grocer,
fishmonger, turner, tobacco cutter, beame maker, pin maker, stocking
weaver, callender, ivory turner, mealman, water bearer, dyer, stationer.

People were loath to allow that the Plague was in their houses. The
Parish Clerk, Nicholas Pyne, is entered as dying of " Dropsy," and
singularly enough his wife is entered as dying the same day of the same
disease. (Smyth mentions her as dying ex fieste.) One of the Church-
wardens is entered as dying of fever, and on the same day one of his
daughters as of the Plague.

In Richard Smyth's "Obituary" many names occur of people known to
him, inhabitants of Cripplegate, who died from the Plague. From the
middle of June till the end of October, 1665, he gives 75 names, of
whom 58 are mentioned as " ex peste." The following are a few of the
more curious : —

July 5, 1665. — •" Ferdinando Sothern, sexton of Cripplegate parish,
died, having not lyen sick above a day or two, and so suspected to have
died of yc sickness, but not retorned."

August 20. — " Nell our maids mother in Tenter Alley newly married
died ther, ex peste."

Aug. 20. — " Mis- Pyne wife of M1' Pyne our parish clerke of Su Giles,
Cripplgate, ex peste."

Septeb. 2. — " Glover the smith at London Wall and his wife (about
this time both) ex peste."

Sep. 2. — M1S- Durant of Cripplegate parish our pew fellow ex peste."

September 6. — "Webster, ye old drunken cobler, under my tennant
Bemning's stall in Coleman Street, ex peste."

September 21. — "Dr. Bird (as commonly called), to whom I lent 20^.
(a desperat debtor), died ex peste."

September 27. — "Goodwife Hunt, the cobbler's wife, sisr to goodwife
Jones, ye milkwoman."

October 3. — " Mrs. Allen, ye little crooked woman, once dwelt in
Whites Alley."

The Church and Parish. 23

October 27. — "Mr. Knight in ye postern, strongwater man, Lieut, of
our traine band in ye Ward, died this night, ex peste."

September 16. — "Mr. Cherry, rope-maker, our honest neighbor of
Morefields, died this morning, ex peste."

Then again occur two entries of deaths, evidently considered worth
specially mentioning as not dying from the Plague, viz. :

October 3. — " Mrs. Whatman, at her daughter Peachey's house, not of
ye sicknesse."

September 16. — "Old John Wharton, of Guildhall, died of old age."

Amidst so many entries of deaths, we find in June, only 9 marriages,
in July, 7 ; August, 2 ; September, 3 ; and October, 7.

In 1 63 1 the population of the Freedom was found to be 6,445, and
allowing for the natural increase in the number of inhabitants, and for
strangers settling in the parish, the number at the commencement of
1665 in both Freedom and Lordship, may be estimated at 20,000,
and nearly one-half of these were dead and buried before the close of the
year, such a fact alone will show the awfulness of the visitation. To add
to the horror of the time, and notwithstanding an increase in the size of
the Churchyard in 1662, when ground was added near Crowders Well,
and the new burying ground at the Pest House opened, the Churchyards
were absolutely over-crowded ; the provision for even the ordinary
number of interments was not more than sufficient, so that the
bodies of those dying of the Plague were placed only just below
the surface of the ground — a fact in itself sufficient to account for an
increase in the epidemic, and hardly needing the following extract, from
the Churchwardens' accounts, to enforce it: — "Paid George Day for
fetching heath to lay at the Churchyard doors, and for carrying rubbish "
(into the Church) "to lay under the pews, \2S. "; with a repetition of
similar entry a little later on — presumably with a view of preventing the
smell from becoming too offensive. Another cause of the immense num-
ber of deaths was no doubt due to the proximity of Crowders Well, and
of the pump in front of the Church, to the over-full Churchyard.

The following entries in the accounts show the means used to
deodorize and to disinfect the Church and Quest House —

For fire in the Quest House and frankincense in the Church, 46.

For pitch, rozin and frankincense, 1/6.

For Rosemary, Bayes, Holly and Ivy, 6 8.

In September, 1665, orders were given by the Vestry "to raise the
lower part of the Churchyard 2 feet higher with earth," which significant

24 St. Giles, Cripplegate.

order was duly carried out, the Churchwardens' account for 1665-6
giving details : —

" Paid Mr. Johnson and Mr. Alliston for bringing into the Lower
Churchyard 1,196 loades of earth, ,£60 is. 6d.\ paid to the labourers
for spreading it over several times, £4 1 js. 6d.

The necessity for providing more ground for burials was again con-
sidered by the Vestry, and in the minutes for January 16th, 1666, the
following occurs : —

"Whereas in the last visitation of the Plague wherewith for the sins of
this nation Almighty God hath been pleased to visit this City of London,
with the parishes adjacent, and other parts of this realm, and in a special
manner this our parish of St. Giles Without Cripplegate, whereby such
multitudes have died that our churchyards and burying-places are now
almost filled with dead corpses, that not any more can scarcely be buried

there, to the intent, therefore, that we may have more ground

certain members of the Vestry be appointed a committee to treat for the
purchase of houses and grounds in Churchyard Alley, adjoining the
Church, to enlarge the existing burial-ground."

And again, in the same book, for October, 1666, we read : —

" Ordered that the Churchwardens doe report to the next Vestry
how much ground in the alley by Crowder's Well is now out of lease,
and may be forthwith added to the Lower Churchyard." This was
done, and the portion that now lies between the old City Wall on
the west, and the houses in Well Street (then Crowder's Well Alley)
was added.

After this time it became necessary to forbid any interments in the
churchyard for seven years, and not any too soon, as before stated. For a
time the dead were probably taken to Bunhill Fields burying grounds ;
burials, however, soon recommenced, both in the church and the church-
yard, and continued down to our own time, ceasing only in 1853, when
Lord Palmerston's Intramural Act came into operation.

The other great catastrophe of the time, the Great Fire, which
destroyed so many of our City churches, spared St. Giles', no doubt on
account of the intervention of the City Wall, and the width of the
churchyard without it, but the entry of ,£29 $s. in the Parish accounts
for re-glazing part of the windows, probably broken by the heat from
the fire, seems to suggest that it had a very narrow escape. The fear
must have been very great that the Church would suffer the same fate
that many others did, as the following entry fully indicates :—

The Church and Parish. 25

1666. — " Paid for carrying the cloath and the plate away when the fire
was and bringing it back 2s. 6d." The Parish Fire Engine evidently took
part in fighting the fire, and was injured in the fray, as we find two
entries in the month of the Fire : —

" For mending the Engine, Buckett and Hookes." This was a
temporary repair, as later in the same month (September) it was ordered
" That the Engine be forthwith mended and kept in good repair
continually."

St. Giles' Parish formed a refuge for the people fleeing from the City,
many of whom took up their abode there, and thus to some extent
permanently repaired the depopulation caused by the recent Plague.

Reverting to the Church itself, we find some slight alterations were
made to the fabric in 1660, and amongst other entries in the Vestry
Minute Book, the following is significant of the revulsion of feeling that
was running through the country in favour of a Monarchy (with
corresponding ecclesiastical charges), and in which Cripplegate thus
early takes its part : — ■

1660. — Paid Leonard Frier "for painting the Kinges Amies in the
Church, ;£io 1 5 j. od. Canvas for do., gs. Frame for do., 10s."

This Leonard Fryer was not above executing meaner work than
painting "Kinges Arms," for in 1662 occurs another entry, "Paid to
Leonard Fryer for painting and gilding the cover of the font, for laying
the engine in oil, and for work about the christening pews, and the
Church-yard Gate, ^5 5-f. 6d." the latter, work on the Gate that faces
Redcross Street, in gilding and painting the emblems of Mortality on
the upper parts, still there, and in good repair.

In April, 1662, the following entry occurs, indicating a return from
the small Christening font of 1650, to the "ould font lined with lead"
then removed : — Resolved " that the ould font to baptize children in
that hath been removed several years past, shall be sett in the ould place
where it was placed and used tyme out of mind."

In 1 68 1 the Vicarage House was rebuilt at the expense of the Parish,
(see notes respecting the "four shoppes," page 178).

In 1682, the more extensive alterations and repairs previously referred
to were commenced. These consisted first in taking down the upper
portion of the tower, with the pinnacles so minutely described by Stow
as having been erected in 1629, and in adding first fifteen feet of red
brick-work, and then surmounting this with what has been described as
" a low cupola ending in a pinnacle, with, at the angles, corresponding

26 St. Giles, Cripplegate.

cupolas of a smaller size. Upon the platform is a raised circular arcade
of wood, covered with a low pyramidical roof, forming an open turret."
This upper part of the tower and the turret thus described have never
been altered, and with the exception of small repairs, are now in precisely
the same form as when first built. The galleries built in 1624-6 were
enlarged, the one in the north aisle at the expense of a parishioner, and
that in the south aisle at the Parish expense.

The Vestry Minutes, in reference to the above repairs, run as follows : —

1663. — "Paid for setting up the font, ,£2."

" Received for the little font, £\ 10s."

1663. — "For partition of wainescott and workmanshipp where the
christening font was in the middle ile, jQi 12s. 6d.

Sept., 1668. — It was ordered " that diligent search be made concerning
the repaires of the roof of the Church."

Mar., 1669. — The Churchwardens are ordered " to repair and amende
the decayed and other things belonging to the roof and body of the
Church."

Dec, 1671. — Ordered "that the defects of the body of the church be
repaired, means for so doing to be raised by a general assessment on the
Parish."

3rd Feb., 1672. — Paid " ^50 towards repairs."

22nd Feb., 1672. — „ ",£50 „ ,,

March, 1672. — Paid " the surveyor for looking after repairs, ^15."

19th July, 1672. — Ordered that " the Churchwarden keep in his hands
^80 of the grand account till the Freedom and the Lordship agree how
to meet the account of the repairs of the Church."

Probably after these repairs of the interior were completed, the organ
presented by Mrs. Charnock was introduced {see page 115).

July, 1673. — Ordered "that the Churchwardens doe take care to
forthwith acquaint Mr. Stone (the Minister), that he doe forbear preaching
on Thursdays and also to acquaint the Reader that he doe forbear reading
of prayers for the space of one month for the forwarding of the workmen
at work in the Church. To be put by the clerk of the Parish Church
next Sunday.

4th July, 1674. — "The Churchwardens to try with surveyors for abate-
ment on Church repairs billes."

20th Sept., 1682. — Ordered "that the steeple be raised 15 feet higher
and new cased and a new clock and chimes made, a new frame for the
bells, and a new gallery be forthwith built."

The Church and Parish. 27

18th Aug., 1684. — "That Mr. John Bridges doe finish the steeple,
within 2 months next ensuing as he hath begun already. The said Mr.
Bridges to receive 2s. 6d. a yard beside allowance for the windows if
they shall be done by him."

Before proceeding to describe the further extensive alterations in the
Church which were effected early in the eighteenth century, it will be as
well to give an idea as to the (then) condition of the Parish and its
inhabitants. Strype, in his edition of "Stow's Survey" of 1720, mentions
considerable improvement in Moorfields, as follows : " For the walks
themselves, with the continual care of the city to have them in that
comely and worthy manner maintained, I am certainly persuaded that
our thankfulnefS to God being first truly performed they are no mean
cause of renewing health and wholesome air to the city (Strype was
right in his persuasion), and such an eternal honour thereto as time shall
not be able to efface."

Of the principal streets and thoroughfares of the Parish, the following
is a brief resume, according to the same authority : —

Fore Street, pretty broad and well inhabited.

Moor Lane, for the generality but meanly built and inhabited.

Grub Street, very long but indifferent to its houses and inhabitants,
and sufficiently pestered with its courts and alleys.

Bridgwater Square. A very handsome open place with very good
buildings.

John Evelyn in his " Discourse on Forest Trees," published in 1662,
says " that Bridgewater Square Gardens was celebrated for its orchard,
and in the year that Newcastle was beseiged (1644) produced such
quantities of fruits as never was produced before or after that time."
This he attributes to " the decrease of smoke resulting from the scarcity of
coal in the capital from that event."

Barbican. A good broad street well inhabited by tradesmen,
especially salesmen of apparel new and old.

Redcross Street. Wide, well built and inhabited. (In it there is a
Dissenters' Library, Dr. Williams'.)

Whitecross Street. A good place of great length ; pretty well built and
inhabited, but the part within the Ward goeth but little beyond Beech
Lane, where the " City Posts " are set up.

Crotvders Well Alley, of some note for its Well, which gives its name
to the Alley. "The waters of this well are esteemed very good for sore
eyes, to wash them with, and is said to be also very good to drink

for several distempers, and some say it is very good for men in drink to
take this water, for it will allay the fumes and bring them to be sober."

Of the Church itself, he says " St. Giles Cripplegate is very large, as
indeed it ought to be as belonging to so large and populous a Parish."

Fronting Redcross Street "was the Watch House where formerly stood
a Watch Tower, called Burgh-Kenning, i.e., Barbican, for the security of
the city in those parts."

The " security " of Cripplegate was ensured as follows : —

"There are to watch at Cripplegate and at several other stands in
divers places in this Ward every night a constable, a beadle, and forty
watchmen within the walls and one constable, a beadle, and ninety
watchmen in several places without the walls," the inhabitants all taking
their share in this duty.

The official staff was comprised of " four constables and four
scavengers." In 1737 a petition was presented to the Court of
Aldermen and Common Council for leave to elect and return eight
persons to serve as constables in this ward.

At this time Cripplegate Without was represented in the Common
Council by one Deputy and two Common Councilmen.

The population in 1685 was estimated by Smythies (Curate, 1673-
1705) at 30,000.

According to Malcolm, the population of the entire Parish (Freedom
and Lordship districts), had in 17 10 increased very largely, there being
then a total of seven thousand one hundred families, and forty-two
thousand six hundred persons resident therein, and considering the
variety of religious doctrines circulated through the various forms of
worship and services, it is not at all surprising to hear of the troubles of
the Vicar, Dr. Bennet, a few years later.

From another source we gather that, in 1712, there were 3,913
houses, 2,600 of which were assessed, producing in that year ,£4,000,
and there were upwards of six thousand persons employed in the
manufacture of gold and silver thread, a trade which, to a small extent,
survives in the Parish to this day.

The early part of the eighteenth century saw extensive alterations in
the Church, testified by the following extracts from the Vestry Minute
Book :—

In 1703 the galleries erected over the north and south aisles were
connected by one at the west end, which was ordered " to be pewed out
at the Parish charge."

The Church and Parish. 29

(In August of the following year this gallery was ordered " to be
forthwith pulled down, and a larger one put in its place.")

Feb., 1703-4. — The Vestry, "taking into consideration the complaint
now made of the Church being extremely out of repair in the pewing
thereof and otherwise," appoint a Committee "to forthwith take a view
of what repairs are wanting in or about the said Church."

In March, 1703-4, the Committee appointed at the last Vestry to
view the said Church as to the repairs thereof, having now reported
"that they had viewed the same with proper workmen to assist them
therein and that the pews in the body of the Church under the galleries
and elsewhere were extremely out of repair," the Vestry order " that it
be referred to the Committee to take a view also of what repairs are
wanting in and about the said Church and to consult with proper
workmen what the charge will be for making good such repairs and
report." (57 Vestrymen present.) The Report was as follows : —

20 April, 1704. — "The charge for repairing the old pews and
otherwise would amount to ^435 or thereabouts and that it were better
to demolish and remove the present pews, altar piece and pulpit (they
being very old and rotten) and to have new in their stead." It was
then ordered " that all the pewes below in the said Church and the altar
piece and pulpit be demolished and removed accordingly and that new
pewes and a new altar piece and pulpit be made and placed in their
stead the Committee to discourse with the workmen about the prices,

and that an assessment of three single years according to

the Poor Rate be granted and rated for the purposes afore mentioned."

On the 25th April, 1704, two years' rate pursuant to the resolution is
passed by the Freedom Vestry, but in May, 1704, it is ordered "That
three years' rate be levied" (the two years' rate ordered at the last
Vestry not being sufficient to do the work), and that "subscriptions
be taken before the said rate is made, and that those who subscribe
be first acquainted with such rate."

In June, 1704, it is ordered "That three of the Church doores be
pulled down and that there be new doores made larger in their stead
and that they be done with all the expedition that may be," and "that
the ceiling of the galleries be lathed and plastered and that there be
two more lights made in the chancell."

On 19th June. 1704, it is ordered "That the Committee inspect the
galleries in the Church and repaire the pews there, or cause new pewes
to be made as they shall think reasonable."

30 St. Giles, Cripplegate.

On 28th June, 1704, it is ordered "That a new Vestry be made
without a vault and that there be a door made at the west end of the
Church next to the Armery House."

July, 1704. — "Mr. Cartwright proposed to do the altar within the
rails with black and white marble at 2s. 6d. per foot, to cleane the
marble steps at $d. per foot with workmanship and polishing." It is
ordered " that this proposal be accepted."

In September, 1704, it is ordered "That the Vestry Room be
wainscotted with right good wainscott up to the top at 5s. 6d. per yard,"
and "that Mr. Robinson the elder, stonecutter, do make a marble font
agreeable to the scheme now produced of right good veined clean
marble, he having agreed to make the same for 16 guineas the said font
to have twenty inches over."

In Oct., 1704, it is ordered "That the pews and linings of the walls in
all the galleries in the Church be forthwith painted wainscot color " ;
and again, in the same month, it is ordered "that a crimson velvett
cushion and border, with gold fringe and torsells, be provided by the
Churchwardens for the pulpitt."

While these extensive alterations were in progress the congregation
worshipped elsewhere, but we are not told where the "Chappie" was
situated — possibly in one described in the Parish Clerk's Survey, 1732, as
" an Episcopal Chapel or Tabernacle wherein is performed the service of
the Church of England, which had been provided in Noble Street for the
use of the people of the Parish."

In Jan., 1704-5, it is ordered "That there be presented to Mr. Walker's
wife for her kindness in promoting our having the use of the ' Chappie,'
a piece of plate of five guineas and two guineas in money to their servant."

In February, 1704-5. — Ordered .... " to do the whole painting
worke about the Altar and Moses and Aaron according as it is done in
St. Bennet's, Grace Church Street, and Curtain and Glory according as
it is done at St. Michael's Cornwell [ ! ! ] and to do the branch of the Iron
Curtain Rod before the Organ, the flaming of the Candles upon the
Altar with gold, and find their own scaffolding"; and on the day
following ordered "forty guineas for doing this and gilding the carved
work round the old Kinges armes in the middle of the chancell and
find their own scaffolding."

13 April, 1705. — Ordered "that the same Committee do audit the
accounts of the repairs and report with all convenient speed." The
report follows, giving the total amount of expenditure for these repairs

The Church and Parish.

(1703-5), including the cost of the new Organ (see page 117), and also of
several new Bells, at ^2,588 9^. 2d., the money being raised as under: —

IN FREEDOM.

IN LORDSHir

■ f

Raised

by subscriptions ...
Church Rate in
Redcross Pre-
cinct

293

43i

17
12

0
3

Raised

subscriptions ...

Church Rate in

Old Street ...

do. Whitecross

209

200

13
10

6
6

? 5

do. , Whitecross

ISO

Street

280

))

,, Fore Streete

239

,, Gol cling Lane

201

,, Grub Street

196

,, Grub Street

423

Total ... £1

>312

Total ... £1

,3l6

The estimated cost for the altar piece and pulpit was ^150. The
entry in Minutes reads : Ordered, " that Mr. John Syms, joiner, do
make altar piece and table work with a sweep raile thereto thirty-three
feet round and two feet eight inches high, and a pulpit at the price of
^"150." The actual amount paid is entered at ^155.

A book, entitled "A New View of London," published in 1708,
gives a description of the altar piece and pulpit, and mentions that " the
altar piece is very ornamental being as the pews and pulpit of right
oak ; it is finely carved, being adorned with 6 pilasters and entablements
of the Corinthian order. The inter-columns are the Commandments
done in gold letters on black, and the Lord's Prayer and the Creed are
in black on gold. Between the arches of the tables of the Command-
ments and under the cornice is a pelican with her wings displayed, and
feeding her young with her own blood and above that is ' God spake
these words.' Over the Lord's Prayer are the words, 'When ye pray,
say,' and over the other ' The Apostles' Creed,' in large characters.
And on pediments, over these, Moses and Aaron, the first holding in his
hand a rod, and the second an incense pot ; and on the acroters upon
the cornice are seven golden candlesticks with flaming tapers and in the
centre is a Book displayed above which is a cushion and mitre,
supported by two Cupids. The carved work has curious ornaments."
This style of adornment was fashionable at the time, several City
Churches being similarly treated. This altar piece remained until 1790,
when various alterations were made.

From the same source is the short account following : — "The pulpit is
of fine wainscot neatly carved and finniered, adorned with an entablature
and pediments and having enrichments of vases, cherubims, palm-
branches, fruit, etc., done in relievo " ; but this description does not
do full justice to the beauty of design and exquisite execution of the

32 St. Giles, Cripplegate.

carved work. The cost has been already quoted, and also the name of
the contractor, but unfortunately the name of the artist cannot be traced.
Many think that it is the work of Grindling Gibbons ; if not, it must
have been done by a pupil who very closely followed his master's style.
The pulpit was originally much higher than it is now, with a sounding
board suspended above. The dove which now ornaments the cover of
the font was taken from this board.

In reference to the Church itself, the same book says : — "The roof of
the Church is flat ; that part over the middle ile is neatly ceiled with
timber ; that part over the altar is painted nebulous and another part
between the two former is painted in pannels or quadrangles of white
and veined marble."

After renewing the interior of the Church, the Vestry, in 17 15, turn
their attention to the exterior, evidently not before it was very necessary.

March, 17 14-15. — Ordered, "That the pavement before the great door
of the Church be made good and the defects about the Church be made
good where ' it rains in,' and : that a Church rate be made to pay debts
relating to the Church, and the Churchwardens to apply to Docters
Commons for an order.' "

As the sum of ,£222 was debited for these repairs, the "defects" it
would seem were somewhat serious. Again, in September, 1721, it was
ordered by the Vestry " that the sum of ,£340 be raised for repairing
the Church," and two months later the sum is increased to ^600, and
again shortly afterwards, evidently after a report is made that still more
money will be required, the Vestry appoint a Committee, with full power
to carry out the work, the total cost to be reported when the repairs are
completed; this was done, and on January 28, 1722, it was ordered by
the Vestry "that the workmen's and other persons' bills relating to the
repairs of the Church be inspected, settled, and reported by the same
Committee that were formerly appointed to take care of such repairs."
On February 25, 1722, the list of amounts of bills owing are reported
as "new, ,£1,261 fjs. yd., and old, ^222 is. yd." Some additional
expenses must have been incurred, as we find on October 12, 1722, "that
the Committee formerly appointed to order the repairs in and about
the Church now report the work done and the severall workmen's bills
for doing thereof amount in the whole to ,£1,575, or thereabouts," and
it is ordered, "that a rate be forthwith made to raise the sum of ^"1,600
to pay off the said bills and other contingent charges that may be
occasioned by such said repairs." Although the aggregate sum spent on

The Church and Parish.

repairs from 1650 to 1750 was large, the chief part of it was expended on
the interior of the Church — the galleries, pews, fittings, etc. The fabric
of the building, being substantially built, needed no material work
expended upon it. The accompanying view may be taken as an exact
appearance of the south-west aspect of the Church from 1682 till nearly
the end of the eighteenth century.

ST. GILES' CHURCH, CRIPPLEGATE, 1682-1790 (south-west aspect).
(From an old print.)

A few more extracts follow as to further repairs, etc., later on, which
tell their own tale —

March 7, 1764. — Ordered, "That repairs in the Church be done with
all convenient speed."

April 6, 1764. — Ordered, "That the palisadoes which enclose the
Christening pew being rather inconvenient and an incumbrance be
removed."

Ordered, "That the Surveyors plans for alterations are

approved, and that in addition two doors are to be hung up at the end
of the middle aisle and to turn back against the Churchwardens' and

34 St. Giles, Cripplegate.

Sidesmens' pews, and to be constantly kept shut unless in time of
Divine Service."

July 1 6, 1764. — Ordered, "That ^300 be paid to the workmen and

^1,000 borrowed rubbish to be taken away occasioned in

repairs to the Church."

Jan. 15, 1766. — Ordered, "That Mr. Muller as surveyor, be paid the
sum of ^"ioo for repairs to the Church and all other Parish surveying
to this time."

May 21, 1766. — Ordered, "That the Sexton be paid ^20 for his
pains and trouble in cleansing the Church after the late repairs, and for
his expense and disbursements on that account."

June 5, 1 77 1. — Ordered, "That there be made a wainscott screen
within the north-east door of the Church under the direction of
Dr. Nicholls." This screen stood until the removal of the Organ to the
chancel in 1869.

Aug. 27, 1772. — Ordered, "That the windows in the bell loft be
boarded up as high as is necessary, and the lubber hoarding there be
taken down and replaced more horizontal."

Jan. 26, 1774. — Ordered, "That £300 be borrowed on Life Annuities
for defraying the expenses of new bells and repairing the belfry."

Sept. 15, 1779. — Ordered, "That the turret in the Church steeple be
put into good and sufficient repair so soon as conveniently may be."

May, 1790. — Ordered, "That the old roof over the middle aisle be
taken off and a new roof be added covered with copper and the side
walls to the same be lowered and new windows introduced, to be done
by public competition. This minute was at next Vestry meeting ordered
to be discharged. However, in September of the same year, it was ordered
'that the roof be extended 27 feet eastward and a wall and parapet be
built and four windows fixed.' "

Dec, 1790. — Ordered, "That the great window at the east end of the
Church be glazed."

Feb., 1 791. — Ordered, "That a glory and cherubs in stained glass
be put in the window over the altar to cost 250 guineas."

The King's Arms, six feet wide, are ordered to be carved and gilt
and placed in the Church, to cost ^22 ; the old King's Arms to be
given to Mr. Robert Home. Those were placed over the chancel arch,
but have since been removed, and are now placed over the Tower Arch.

The whole cost of the alteration in 1790-1 was reported in January,
1792, to amount to ,£3,603 14J. od.

The Church and Parish.

As will be seen by the extracts from the minutes of the Vestry just
given, very material alteration was made in the fabric of the Church
by the introduction of four additional windows in the clerestory, two
in each side, with a corresponding considerable extension in
the length of the roof of the middle aisle of the Church, and a
decrease in the length of the chancel. This fact should entirely quash

1335260

ALTAR PIECE AND WINDOW IN ST. GILES' CHURCH, CRIITLEGATE, iSSS.

the many doubts as to the spot not now being in the chancel where
Milton's remains were laid to rest. By the entry in the Register it is clear
that he was buried in the Chancel. The engraved stone opposite the
fifth arch which now marks the approximate position, would have been
close to the original chancel, which, at the time this entry was made,
began from this column. How the doubt arose is therefore now satis-
factorily explained. The following are a few of the entries concerning
additional alterations : —

D 2

36 St. Giles, Cripplegatc.

Aug. 8, 1792. — Ordered, "That the Creed, the Lord's Prayer, and the
Ten Commandments, wrote in gold letters on a black ground, be put up
at the Communion place instead of those wrote in black letters on a
gold ground," and " that the remainder of the sum of ,£262 be paid for
the stained glass which has been put up and fixed at the great east
window of the Church, over the altar."

Sept. 19, 1792. — Ordered, "That the Lord's Prayer, the Creed, and
the Ten Commandments lately taken down at the altar when the present
were put up, be given to Mr. Thomas Strong (Vestry Clerk)."

The main features of the Altar piece of 1704 seem to have been pre-
served, and a Royal Crown in the centre, over the Book, to have taken
the place of the Mitre. The representations of Moses and Aaron (if we
may judge from the engraving on page 38) were still left in their place.
They were removed in 1858, having become so indistinct that an old in-
habitant of the Parish says "no one could tell what the figures meant."
The Altar piece as it stands at present, as shown on the preceding
page, is made of oak, finely carved, with fruit and flower ornaments. It
has six Pilasters of the Corinthian order, and three Entablements. The
Entablements contain the Commandments, the Lord's Prayer and the
Creed, written in gold letters on a dark ground. Above the centre
entablature is a Pelican feeding her young, and over the two outer tablets
are the Symbols of the Trinity, surmounted by a cluster of Cherubim.

On the outer Acroters are placed Bishops' Mitres, while on the top of
the centre Acroter is placed the open Book, and on it a cushion and
Royal Crown, the whole supported by two Cupids.

Let us now revert to the general state of the Parish. In 17 10 the
population of over forty thousand was quite beyond the accommodation
which could be supplied by one Church. So far back as 1663 serious
discussions had taken place in the Vestry respecting the advisability of
erecting another in the Lordship part of the Parish. Nothing came of this,
and in 1670 we find a petition to the House of Lords, praying that part
of the tax on coals coming into the City may be applied to building new
churches in several parishes, amongst others in St. Giles, Cripplegate.

This again was without result. The Vestry, however, had not
forgotten the matter, and in September, 1 7 1 1 , a Committee was
appointed "to find a piece of ground to build one or more Churches,
one new Church in the Freedom and two in the Lordship to be
sufficient." The site where the Church of St. Luke now stands was then
selected for one, and for another, ground in Whitecross Street. This

The Church and Parish.

latter suggestion fell through, the extra Church in the Freedom not
being built till 1850, but it is clear that in 17 16 the Vestry thought
that at least one Church would be immediately built, for in January of
the same year the Vestry order "That Dr. Whitfield be desired to
intercede with the Commissioners for building new Churches that the
labourers living in this Parish may be employed in or about the building
of one or more Churches here"; but, after sixteen years, a special Act
of Parliament was obtained in 1732, and the portion of St. Giles' Parish
formerly known as the Lordship was made a separate Parish. The Church
in Old Street was erected in 1733, and dedicated to St. Luke.

In the Parish Clerk's survey of the Parish in 1732 (St. Giles proper, then
just divided from the Lordship), the income for the Vicarage is given as
,£450 per annum, and the number of houses at 1,800, with a population of
8,000. Maitland adds: "There are seven who keep coaches" (carriages).
This is probably the largest number of houses the Parish ever contained,
for, owing doubtless to the over-crowding (precisely as has been the case in
our own times in the immediate suburbs of London), many of the wealthy
inhabitants removed to less frequented, and, therefore, healthier districts,
Hackney and Bow being chiefly chosen by Cripplegate people. The large
houses thus vacated were, in most cases, let out in tenements, or demolished,
to become the site for rows of smaller ones. Thus the Parish became gradu-
ally poorer ; heavy rates for the relief of the poor were necessary, that in
1742 being at the rate of 3^. in the pound, producing ,£4,000. In
1760 the old Cripple-gate, which had been rebuilt in 1244 by the brewers,
and undergone considerable repairs in 1491, and again in 1663, when a
foot postern was made, was, by order of the Commissioners of City Lands,
sold and removed. ^91 was given for the material by a Mr. Blagden.

During the five hundred years that the Gate stood it had been used
for various purposes. Originally a military guard house, later it was
used as a prison, and the upper stories, in common with other City
gates, for lodging various officials connected with the Lord Mayor.

Nothing further of particular interest occurred in Cripplegate during
the remainder of the century. Probably a greater variety of small
traders carried on business there than in any other City parish ; ale
houses were plentiful, and also not a few "stores" for receiving stolen
goods. The number of tokens struck by the Cripplegate tradesmen at
the end of the previous century, showed them to be as enterprising as any
of their neighbours. Boyne gives "5 in Fore Street, 13 in Grub Street,
and 15 in Barbican." A fair share of the City Companies had their

St. Giles, Cripplegate.

Halls in the Parish; in 1761 we find those of the Haberdashers, Curriers,
Bowyers, Brewers, Plaisterers, and Loriners, situate there. Grub Street,
now Milton Street {not so called after the poet), had earned for itself
in the early part of the century a modest fame as the residence of authors,

VIEW OF INTERIOR OF ST. GILES, CRIPPLEGATE. TAKEN FROM THE
NORTH-EAST DOOR, LOOKING SOUTH, 1791-1860 (from ail old print).

pamphleteers, and literary men generally, of more or less slender incomes,
but these left the locality when their patrons — the wealthy and titled
class — settled elsewhere.

The Church and Parish.

From 1732 until 1800 nothing definite is found as to the number of
the inhabitants, but since then the census shows the following figures : —
1811. 1821. 1831. 1841. 1851. 1861. 1871. 1881.
11,704. 13,038. 13,134. 13,255. i4,361- i3>498- 8,894. 3,863.

while the day census taken in 1881 by the Corporation of London
gives the number of the people employed in the Parish during
the day time as 15,962, which number has probably now been largely
increased. Consistently with the rapidly decreasing resident population,
the number of inhabited houses was reduced from 1,558 in 1841 to 463
in 1 88 1, and since that has still further decreased.

The view given on page 38 is taken from an old print in the possession
of the late Mr. Denton, and gives what was probably the appearance of
the East end of the Church from 1791 to i860. It clearly shows the
position of some of the older monuments in the Chancel, as they are
described in "Stow's Survey," edition 1633. Those of Speed and Whitney
are unmistakable, while that of Fox is indicated by the words Foxe, 1587.
As mentioned elsewhere, it is partly hidden by the wainscot. At the
south-east side of the Chancel is a rough representation of a figure, most
probably that of Moses (1704). The door facing the beholder, leading
into the Churchyard, was closed during the alterations in 1862.

As has been before mentioned, a scheme had been started to build
another Church in St. Giles' Parish. This was carried into effect in
1850, the site selected being that formerly occupied by the old
Workhouse in Moor Lane. The great portion of the material and
interior fittings were formerly part of the Church of St. Bartholomew by
the Exchange, the dedication of which it retained. The funds for
erecting the Church were supplied by the proceeds of the sale of the
ground on which the former Church stood, together with a contribution
from St. Giles' Vestry.

The Rev. W. Denton, who had held the living from the first, died in
January, 1888.

At the time of the division, the new Parish contained 525 houses,
with 4,158 souls, but in 1862-3, by the making of the Metropolitan
Railway from Farringdon to Moorgate, three-fourths of the Parish were
evicted. From that time till the present the population has continued
to decrease from 1,390 souls in 1881, to 800 in 1887, and the number
will no doubt further decrease. In consequence of this, the Vestry of
St. Giles petitioned the Bishop of London to hold an enquiry as to the

40 SL Giles, Cripplegate.

desirability of re-uniting the District Church with the Mother Church,
where it was thought sufficient accommodation for the whole of the
inhabitants of the original Parish could be found, and the Clergy there
would be able to attend to the spiritual wants of the whole district.
A Commission of Enquiry was appointed, and after full investigation
(the Churchwardens and others from both Parishes appearing before it)
a majority of the Commission reported that a re-union was desirable.

Again returning to the Church of St. Giles, we find various repairs and
minor alterations carried out between the years 1800 and 1858. In
18 1 3 the accounts show that ^"2,111 14^. <\d. was spent on the steeple
and internal beautifying, &c. In 1840, and again in 1851 repairs
were effected, those in the last-named year costing ^500. Many
entries occur in the minute books of sums granted for repairing and
"beautifying" the Church, this last expression usually having reference
to a liberal application of plaster and white-wash, except toward the
second half of the century, when much better taste and discrimination
began to be displayed, especially by the promoters of the restoration of
the Church in 1858, who truly reflected the altered feeling of the times
in all matters of taste.

In 1818, we find the Vestry rather in advance of the times, ordering
that gas, then but very recently introduced into the streets of London, "be
forthwith laid on in the Church, the expense of laying on not to exceed
;£ioo, and the expense not to exceed i6.r. per annum for each burner."
This was done then, and again, in a more effective manner, in 1839.

Allen in his " History of London," published in 1830, gives the
following description of the Church : —

" It is a spacious and substantial building, and though much disfigured
by modern alterations and detached buildings, still shows considerable
portions of the ancient edifice. The plan gives a nave, side aisles, and
chancel, with a large and massive square tower at west end, of four
storeys, the upper part of red brick (15 feet added in 1682). The
ancient parts of the tower and the south side of the Church are built of
stone in irregular masses, interspersed with tile and brick. From the
nature of the materials as well as the form of the arches, it is evident
that these portions were not destroyed in the fire of 1545, but are the
work of a period anterior to that date. The first storey shows the arch
of a spacious window now walled up, on the west front.

The clerestory, rebuilt with brick in 1791, contains seven modern
windows with pointed arches. The end of the north aisle has a window,

The Church and Parish.

the tracery destroyed, as is the tracery of all the windows, and modern
imitations introduced, and several modern windows walled up. The
north side of the Church is nearly concealed by the Quest House, a

VIEW OK THE INTERIOR OF THE CHURCH OF ST. GILES, CRIPPLEGATE,
looking east, 1791-1862 (fro/11 an old print).

large modern Gothic building, which also covers the porch. The
clerestory on this side cannot be seen from the street, but resembles that
on the southern side. The division between the nave and the aisles is

42 S/. Giles, Cripplegate.'

made by seven arches on each side of the former, and is evidently the
work of an earlier date than the fire of 1545. The soffit of the chancel
ceiling is painted with a choir of angels. The original corbels are
carved with angels sustaining shields, which sustain the timbers of
the roof, on these shields are painted the arms of the Fishmongers,
Skinners, Grocers, Haberdashers, Apothecaries, Drapers, Goldsmiths,
Merchant Taylors, and Salters' Companies."

This description is substantially correct of the Church as it stands
to-day, with of course the exception that the windows are restored, and
the roof made an open one, as described later on.

In the view given on the preceding page are seen the arms of the dif-
ferent companies as described by Allen, the galleries to which reference
has so often been made, and the high pulpit with its sounding board is
clearly depicted. The bust of Milton is shown on the third column.

In the year 1858 a new traceried window was inserted in the south
aisle, and some of the buttresses were repaired. This was followed in
i860 by a new window in the north aisle of a similar character.
In April, 1861, rose windows were pierced at the east end of the north
and south aisles.

In 1862 unusual efforts were made to raise a sufficient sum of money
for the purpose of thoroughly restoring the Church to something like
its early condition ; and wide-spread interest was evinced in this effort
to honour Milton's resting-place. ^"1,000 was voluntarily contributed
by the parishioners, and the general public. Among the contributors
were the Baroness Coutts (then Miss Coutts), the late Samuel Morley,
the Members for the City, several of the Livery Companies and
Bankers, and men of every denomination. With this fund in hand the
first real attempt at restoration of the grand old fabric was made.
The north and south galleries and staircases were removed, thus
necessitating alterations to the western gallery (which was for the time
retained) and the restoration of the nave. Many monuments were
removed from the columns and placed on the walls, and the columns
restored. At the same time the memorial shrine to Milton was erected
in the south aisle, forming a fitting canopy for the fine marble bust of
the poet, which formerly stood on a bracket on one of the columns
of the nave. In 1863, a new traceried window was inserted in the
south aisle; in 1865, the large window in the west end of the north
aisle, and in the following year a corresponding window in the south
aisle. The cost of the two last was ,£393 i7->\ yi. The gallery at the

The Church and Parish.

west end was removed in 1864, and the organ removed to the foot of
the tower.

The commodious Vestry was erected in 1866-7 at a cost of between
^"400 and ,£500. In 1868-9, tne more important restoration in the
Church followed at a cost of between ^£4,000 and ^5,000.

This work comprised the removal of the intermediate floors to the
tower, the restoration of the large west window, and the north and south
windows, together with the groined roof ; also of the large western arch
and piers forming the tower arch, together with the pierced stone tower
screen, and the belfry windows. The plastered ceiling to the nave was
removed, and a handsome framed inner roof substituted, casing in the
old tie beams and roof timbers, with moulded ribs and spandrels, the
ribs springing from new stone shafts terminating in carved heads and
bosses. One of these carved heads is that of Milton, and is over the
third column, in front of which his body lies. The others are supposed to
represent Kings and Queens of England and prominent ecclesiastical
reformers (one on the fifth column much resembles the portrait of
Wycliffe), but, although so recently carved, all trace of the persons meant
to be represented seems lost.

This work was carried out (as far as possible) in accordance with
what so far as the fragmentary evidence then remaining could show,
was the original idea of the building. In removing the brickwork at the
west end of the tower, the outline and part of the tracery of the large
window were clearly discernible, stained and discoloured by the Fire of
1545, thus clearly showing when it was bricked up.

New traceried windows, with cathedral glass and tinted margins, were
inserted in the clerestory. The elliptical plastered arch to the chancel
was removed, and a handsome stone chancel arch substituted, with
perpendicular caps and bases. The organ at the same time was rebuilt
at the east end of the north aisle, and ten years later the present modern
case substituted for the old carved one. The floor of the Church was
concreted, and the old pews cut down and remodelled in modern
form. The wainscot and glass door was placed at the northern
entrance. The nave was paved with tessellated tiles (a good sub-
stitute for the old paving stones), and the handsome new font erected
on the raised dais.

In 1882 the Tower buttresses were repaired and stone work restored.
Again, in 1885-6, a great improvement was effected when the walls
of the aisle and clerestory of the south front were faced with Kentish

St. Giles, Cripplegate.

VIEW OF THE INTERIOR OF THE CHURCH OF ST. GILES, CRIPPLEGATE.
LOOKING EAST, l888.

VIEW OF THE INTERIOR OF THE CHURCH OF ST. GILES, CRIPPLEGATE,
LOOKING WEST, l888.

46 S/. Giles, Cripplegate.

rag-stone, the castellated battlements giving a rich and finished
appearance to the structure, while the old turret staircase, which forms
an appropriate and important feature, was retained.

A stone at the west end of the south wall thus commemorates the
various recent restorations : —

All glory be to God.

The Restoration of this Church

commenced in the year 1858, and carried

on from time to time by

voluntary contributions; was in the year 1 869

completed to the chancel, chiefly at

the cost of the parish.

The Rev. Philip Parker Gilbert, M.A., Vicar.

William Bassingham, )

„ _, 1 Churchwardens.

Thomas Turner, )

Also in the year 1880,

The Church was repaired and further beautified

at the expense of the parish.

Tames Lake, ) >-,, , ,

, Chiirc/nvaraei/s.

Cornelius Gillett, '

Various minor improvements in addition have been effected from time
to time in the removal and re-arrangement of many of the beautiful and
unique mural monuments, and some, which had been previously entirely
hidden, are now brought into greater prominence. Of the stained
glass windows though the general effect may be, upon the whole, some-
what too highly coloured and garish, yet many are well worthy of notice.
The window at the west-end of the south aisle is perhaps more particu-
larly interesting to the parishioners of St. Giles, as it commemorates
an act of tardy justice rendered to their neighbours in St. Luke's, in
the matter of fair division of the charity funds administered in
common by the two Parishes. So long ago as 1691, and at many
different times, it was thought a settlement had been arrived at,
but in 1864, when this matter was still only partly adjusted,
the parishioners of St. Luke's contributed this window to St. Giles'
Church in recognition of the good feeling existing between the two
Parishes. The subjects are "The Shepherds watching their flocks";
"The Nativity" and the "Wise Men coming from the East." The
head-lights give representations of St. Giles, with his hind (as shown

The Church and Parish. 47

on the front page), of St. Luke, the physician, with his symbol, the
winged ox, in the foreground, and underneath the inscription " In
grateful remembrance of Edward Alleyne,* the founder of Dulwich
College." In 1877 the Churchwarden (Mr. Isaac Bosquet) made a deter-
mined effort to settle this long-standing dispute ; and to save further loss
occasioned by legal proceedings (the costs already amounted to ^3,000),
he summoned the representatives of both Parishes to an informal meeting,
when, without the aid of the lawyers, the basis of an agreement was
settled — which was shortly afterwards carried out to the entire satisfaction
of all concerned. A memorial window was then placed in St. Luke's
Church, at the expense of the Parish of St. Giles. The window at the
north-west end is unquestionably the best in the Church, its general design
and colouring being very good; the central figures represent Isaiah,
David, and John the Baptist ; the head light shows four angels, with over
them a phoenix rising from its ashes ; below are the arms of the donor,
Jabez Gower, Esq. The corresponding window at the end of the south
aisle has, for its centre subject, " The Baptism of our Lord," and the
Apostles Peter and Paul on either side ; the head lights is as the one
described above, except that a lamb is substituted for the phoenix, and at
the base the crests of the three donors — Smith, Nind, and Wilson. To
the latter donor, Alderman Wilson, the Church is also indebted for
stained glass in the great west window. The remaining windows give
representations in various styles of design and execution, respectively,
of "Moses with the table of the law," "Aaron the High Priest,"
" Our Saviour walking on the sea " (the Apostles John and James on
either side of this), the "Good Shepherd," and "Our Saviour blessing the
little children." These windows were given by Churchwardens King,
Stillwell, Seeley, Pickering, Treggon, Dalphin, Hopkinson, Reid ; and by
Mrs. Bassingham (in memory of her husband), the Misses Reeves,
Richard Lambert Jones, Edmund Woodthorpe, and Alexander Baylis.
The east end of both the north and south walls have rose windows ;
the subject of each being angels in adoration. Very great praise
must be given for the presentation of these windows by Churchwardens
and Parishioners, who have spared neither money nor pains in adorning
their Church.

The views of the interior, on pages 44~45> together with those of the
exterior of the Church, as frontispiece, show, better than any description,
the general style and effect of the building ; it may, however, be stated

* Alleyne was a great beiTefemTt^the Lordship part of the Parish, now St. Luke's.

48 St. Giles, Cripp legate.

that the division between the nave and aisles is made by seven pointed
arches on each side. The columns and arches are elegantly formed and
enriched with mouldings, and are most probably the original ones of 1392.

As will be seen by the ground plan, on page 190, the form of the
Church is irregular, some say in consequence of the proximity of the
City ditch, but this is quite an open question.

The inner dimensions of the Church are : — The extreme length from
the west door to easternmost end of the chancel is 146 feet 3 inches; the
north aisle 117 feet 9 inches ; the south aisle 1 1 1 feet 3 inches. The
width at the west end is 66 feet 6 inches, and at the east end 57 feet
8 inches. The width at west end between the south wall and pier 16 feet
10 inches, and between the north wall and pier 18 feet 3 inches. The
width at east end between the south wall and pier 13 feet 8 inches, and
between the north wall and pier 16 feet 9 inches. Extreme width of
nave at west end, 25 feet 10 inches; and at east end, 20 feet 5 inches.
Height of tie beam of the roof, 33 feet ; and to moulded rib at apex of
roof, 42 feet 8 inches. Height of chancel arch, 31 feet 7 inches;
breadth, 17 feet 6 inches.

Height of Tower, 104 feet from pavement to the parapet; cornice of
cupola, 16 feet higher; and from cornice to top of vane, 14 feet 9 inches
additional ; the terminals at the four corners, 1 2 feet 9 inches above the
parapet. Total height from pavement, 134 feet 9 inches. The groined
ceiling from pavement, 33 feet.

Census returns of the Parish, given on page 39, show the variations
in the numbers of the inhabitants for 181 1 to 1881, when the last return
was made ; since that time still greater alterations have taken place, many
of the inhabited houses have been pulled down, and large warehouses
have taken their place. Australian and other Colonial merchants and
dealers in soft goods have largely settled here. The assessment of the
Parish has steadily increased, and now stands higher than any other
City Parish ; it is also larger in area — comprising nearly 40 acres. In
1887 the net assessed value was settled at over ^150,000. Taken
altogether, the Parish of St. Giles Without Cripplegate may now be
pronounced as in a most flourishing condition.

Besides being by far the largest and the most highly assessed Parish
in the City, its position is unique in being the only one whose area is
conterminous with a Ward.

It may also be said that although not so radical in their ideas as in
days not long distant, the Parishioners are still progressive in spirit and

The Church and Parish. 49

in action, taking a leading part in all the reforming movements of the
times.

The Church is now open every day between ten and four o'clock for
private prayer and devotion. Short services are held daily at 8 a.m. and
1. 1 5 p.m. ; and on two evenings in the week at 6.30 p.m. On Sundays
there are ordinary morning and evening services, and a short service for
children in the afternoon. The congregation in the morning is one of
the largest in the City, usually numbering 450 adults and children. The
evening service is also well attended.

OFFICIALS OF THE PARISH CHURCH OF ST. GILES,
WITHOUT CRIPPLEGATE, 1887.

Vicar. Curate.

Rev. Prebendary Albert Barff, M.A. Rev. Charles E. J. Carter, M.A.

C/i urchwardens.
John James Baddeley. Leonard Wm. Cubitt.

Overseers.
Thomas Mein. Richard Dyson.

Sidesmen.
Harry Townend. Harry H. Duplock.

Henry Payne. Joseph Gilchrist.

Organist. Choir Master.

Arthur Miller. Robert J. Pitt.

Beadle. Sextoness.

James W. King. Matilda Roberts.

5°

St. Giles, Cripplegate.

NAMES OF SENIOR CHURCHWARDENS,
Found in the Books of St. Giles, Cripplegate.

From Early Leases.

1500.

John Sturdy.

1556.

John Hiliare.

1563-

Thomas Busby, or

William Maskall.

1568.

Thomas Busby.

From Sworder's Accounts

1581-

Thomas Lee.

1582.

Christopher Butler.

1583.

John Coxall.

1584.

Thomas Browen.

1585.

John Browen.

1586.

Robert Newman.

1587.

John Corbin.

1588.

William Streatonne.

1589.

Richard Pawson.

1590.

John Erode.

I59I-

John Cornwall.

1592.

Charles Langley.

1593-

Richard Pawson.

1594-

John Granger.

1595-

Peter Merry.

1596.

Robert Newman.

1597-

Charles Langley.

1598.

Charles Langley.

1599-

John Corbyn.

1600.

Hugh Parker.

1601.

Laurence Andrewes.

1602.

Peter Merrey.

1603.

Henry Wyllys.

1604.

John Taylor.

1605.

Edward Sucklynge.

1606.

David Jones.

1607.

Nathaniel Tracy.

1608.

William Reddinge.

1609.

John Cockeshotte.

1 6 10.

Stephen Atkinson.

1611.

George Bryce.

1612.

Hamlet Rochdall.

1613.

Nicholas Ruddyard.

1614.

Robert Watkinson.

1615.

James Johnson.

1616.

Robert Wilkins.

1617.

Robert Watkinson.

From Table of Church Dices.
1644. Robert Mayn waring.

From Registers.

1646.

Ralph Tasker.

From Grand Accounts.

1648.

Thomas White.

1649.

William Beven.

1650.

Roger Mustian.

1651.

Thomas Whittle.

1652.

Thomas Shadbolt.

1653-

William Yates.

1654.

Thomas Papworth.

1655-

Yate Brackstone.

1656.

Simon Philbee.

1657.

Matthew Chantrell.

1658.

William Lilley.

1659-

Edward Dobson.

1660.

Isaac Bennet.

1661.

John Cliffe.

1662.

Edward Dearmar.

1663.

William Rookes.

1664.

Edward Potter.

1665.

William Shatchwell.

1666.

Daniel Shaw.

1667.

Henry Peirson.

1668.

John Wythens.

From

General Vestry Minute Book

1669.

Thomas Alcocke.

1670.

Richard Knight.

1671.

Daniel Walton.

1672.

Richard Steele.

i673-

Henry Ward.

1674.

Edward Shawler.

i675-

Edward Hanney.

—

Richard Steele.

1676.

Edward Winston.

1677.

James Vesey.

1678.

John Latham.

—

Robert Bird.

1679.

William Iverson.

1680.

Henry Sudbury.

1681.

Randolph Watson.

1682.

Edward Robins.

1683.

Hugh Rigby.

1684.

Thomas Ems.

1685.

Thomas Linford.

1686.

Nathan Green.

1687.

John Clark.

1688.

William Moody.

The Church and Parish.

1689.

John Jones.

1740.

John Hammond.

1690.

James Quilter.

1741.

Thomas Davis.

1691.

Ralph Cates.

1742.

Samuel Sanders.

1743-

Simon King.

From

Freedom Vestry Minute Book.

1744.

Francis Strong.

1692.

William Merideth.

1745-

William Tilley.

1693.

Timothy Hows.

1746.

William Lovejoy.

1694.

Thomas Stevenson.

1747-

John King.

1695.

George Osmond.

174S.

William Unwin.

1696.

Abraham Bedbury.

1749.

Thomas Ibell.

1697.

Joseph Kilby.

—

Francis Albone.

1698.

Samuel Seaton.

1750.

John Wilkins.

1699.

Thomas Osborne.

I75I-

Stephen Keene.

1700.

Edward Jeffries.

1752.

Dangerfield Taylor.

1701.

Henry Morris.

1753-

James White.

1702.

John Arnold.

1754-

Robert Heath.

1703-

John Buckmaster.

1755-

Caleb Lea.

1704.

Richard Bowles.

1756.

John Savell.

I70S-

Daniel Bird.

1757-

James Bonner.

1706.

John Smith.

I75S.

John Caterer.

1707.

John Fulver.

1759-

William Howe.

1708.

Benjamin Fleming.

1760.

Thomas King.

1709.

Roger Hitchcock.

1761.

John Cunningham.

1 7 10.

William Page.

1762.

Robert Kelham.

1711.

John Child.

1763.

John Jones.

1712.

Samuel Carr.

1764.

Edward Thornton.

1713-

Jonas Dye.

1765.

Richard Jackson.

1714.

Thomas Roberts.

1766.

William Curtis.

1715-

Thomas Caton.

—

* Richard Jackson (Deputy

1716.

Ralph Cartwright.

Ch u rch wa rden).

1717.

John Woodward.

1767.

Richard Saunders.

1718.

George Stray.

1768.

William Watts.

1719.

Seth Adams.

1769.

Thomas Tuck.

1720.

John Smithers.

1770.

William Evans.

1721.

William Flux.

1771.

Henry Knight.

1722.

Philip Goodale.

1772.

Thomas Cox.

1723-

John Evans.

1773-

Robert Clark.

1724.

William Meredith.

1774-

John Holyoak.

1725-

John Addison.

1775-

Daniel Crockett.

1726.

Thomas Cogan.

1776.

Samuel Smith.

1727.

John Simister.

1777-

Southern Payne.

1728.

Thomas Spittle.

1778.

Edward Crawshawe.

1729.

Thomas Bourne.

1779.

John Scott.

1730.

Samuel Grisold.

1780.

William Morland.

1731-

Matthew Vines.

17S1.

Daniel Grindley.

I732-

John Mabbot.

1782.

John Warner.

1733-

John Robson.

1783-

Thomas Lane.

1734-

Nathaniel Lane.

1784.

Benjamin Geary.

1735-

Richard Higginson.

1785-

John Lowe.

1736.

Henry Budgen.

1786.

William Godfrey Browne.

I737-

Stephen Butler.

1787.

Richard Gouge.

1738.

Philip Adams.

1788.

Nicholas Browning.

1739-

John Bickerton.

1789.

John Benjamin Cole.

See foot-note, page 52.

E 2

St. Giles, Cripplegate.

1790.

William Turner.

1838.

Francis Sadler.

*John B. Cole (Deputy Church-

1839.

George Thomson.

warden).

1840.

William King.

1791.

Andrew Wright.

1841.

James Rutherford.

1792.

Thomas Willats.

1842.

John Johnson.

1793-

Thomas Smith.

1843.

John Johnson.

1794.

Edward Richardson.

1844.

Edward Stillwell.

1795-

Barnard Bayley.

1845.

John Seeley.

1796.

Edward Bodell.

1846.

James Fawcett.

1797.

John Mill.

1847.

John Flower.

1798.

William Tomlin.

1848.

George Cuthbert.

1799.

John Ward.

1849.

George Cuthbert.

1800.

Thomas Potts.

1850.

Samuel Godfrey Hall.

1S01.

William Adams.

1851.

Joseph Hooke.

1802.

Thomas Dolley.

1852.

Samuel Lowe.

1803.

William Robson.

1853.

John Sewell.

1804.

Thomas Challis.

1854.

John Pickering.

1805.

William Smith.

1855.

Henry Treggon.

1806.

John Moor.

1856.

John Scholes.

1807.

Robert French.

1857-

William Hughes.

1808.

Henry Carr.

1858.

John Nind.

1809.

Joseph Mayor.

1859.

John Dalphin.

1 8 10.

Aaron Stafford.

i860.

William Hopkinson.

1S11.

Aaron Stafford.

1861.

Reginald Reid.

1812.

Thomas Basset Reid.

1862.

Henry Fendick.

1813.

John Brogden.

1863.

Henry Nind.

1814.

Joseph Fallen.

1864.

Walter Morisse.

1815.

James Carter.

1865.

David Smith.

1816.

Henry Case.

1866.

John Eddison Craney.

1817.

William Legge.

1867.

John Eddison Craney.

1818.

Joseph Dalton Dewick.

1868.

William Bassingham.

1819.

William Beaver.

1869.

Thomas Turner.

1820.

William Brown.

1870.

Robert Hall.

1821.

William Brown.

1871.

Joseph Hudson.

1822.

Samuel Stevens.

1872.

Jesse Turner.

1823.

John Buckoke.

1873.

William G. Larke.

1824.

John Buckoke.

1874.

James Harvey.

1825.

Thomas Hill.

1875-

Henry Griffin.

1826.

William Mason.

1876.

Underdown Knell.

1827.

Matthew Wyton.

1877.

Isaac Bousquet.

1828.

Thomas Metcalfe.

1878.

George Seares.

1829.

George Roadley Simpkin.

1879.

George Matthew Felton.

1830.

Thomas Fernce.

1880.

James Lake.

1831.

B. E. Batley.

1 88l.

Cornelius Gillett.

1832.

George Meadway.

1882.

William Charles Pearson.

i833-

William Flanders.

1883.

John Corke.

1834.

Francis Lea.

1884.

Joseph Mann.

1835.

J. Ticket.

1885.

Henry James Felton.

1836.

John Atherly.

1886.

John Craggs Leefe.

—

Thomas Metcalfe.

1S87.

John James Baddeley.

1837.

Henry Douthwaite.

1888.

Leonard W. Cubitt.

* In both these cases the Senior Churchwarden of the previous year volunteered to serve in the place
of the Churchwarden duly elected, and is called in the Minute books " Deputy Churchwarden."

THE PARISH

DURING THE JUBILEE YEAR OF THE REIGN

OF QUEEN VICTORIA.

MOST of the large parishes in the City of London celebrated the
Queen's Jubilee in one form or another, but it may fairly be
claimed for the Parish of St. Giles, Cripplegate, that the event was
here celebrated in a more complete manner than in any other.

At the Easter Vestry, 1887, it was resolved that "A Committee be
appointed to consider and report what steps should be taken in the
Parish to commemorate the completion of the 50th year of the Reign of
Her Majesty the Queen, an event unexampled in the history of any
female Sovereignty in any country."

A committee was appointed, who at their first meeting unanimously
resolved that " A Drinking Fountain be erected in some suitable place
in the Churchyard, and that this be recommended to the Vestry as a
proper memorial to celebrate the Queen's Jubilee." It was also re-
solved that, " Designs and estimates be obtained, the designs to
harmonize with the church, and that the old ' Cripplegate ' appear in
the design."

This was done, and on the 24th May, 1887, a Vestry Meeting was
held, at which three designs were submitted, that of Messrs. Woodthorpe
and Hammond being chosen. The work was proceeded with (a faculty
having previously been obtained from the Dean and Chapter of St.
Paul's), and was completed and formally opened by the Vicar, at a
Special Meeting of the Vestry, on the 22nd September following.

The engraving on the next page clearly shows the design, which, as
desired by the committee's resolution, thoroughly " harmonizes with
the church." The main portion is of Kentish ragstone, rough hewn,
the basin and pediment of Aberdeen granite, the Queen's head, in

St. Giles, Cripplegate.

bold relief, in bronze; and on plain and simple tablets, on the front
face of the towers, is the following inscription : —

Erected by
The Vestry of St. Giles,
Commemoration of Crjpplegate.

Queen Victoria's

Tttijttt,t. Albert Barff, M.A., Vicar.

JUBILEE, '

June 21st, 1887. JOHN J- Baddeley, j Churchwardem.

Leonard W. Cubitt, )

The idea, design and execution have given general satisfaction, while

the fountain supplies a long-felt want. In the summer time hundreds

DRINKING FOUNTAIN IN THE CHURCHYARD OF ST. GILES, CRIPPLEGATE,
ERECTED IN COMMEMORATION OF QUEEN VICTORIA'S JUBILEE.

of the working people of the Parish refresh themselves with the water, and
in their dinner-hour wander through the shady and pleasant churchyard.

The Parish during the Jubilee Year

The cost, including laying-on the water supply, obtaining the faculty,
architect's fees, &c, was ^240, which was paid out of the Parish rents
account.

In addition to this permanent memorial, the immediate wants of the
poor of the Parish were not forgotten. At the Easter Vestry Meeting
it was ordered that "^"io iar. be granted to the City of London Union,
towards a fund for providing, in various ways, for the pleasure and
gratification of the Inmates of the Union." Also, "That 10s. be given
to each of the Pensioners on the Bequest Fund under the Separate
Estate Trustees, and also to those on the Cripplegate Pension Society's
Fund." The Children in the Schools were also remembered ; ,£20 was
ordered to be placed at the disposal of the Trustees of the Boys' School,
and the same sum to the Governors of Lady Holies Girls' School, in aid
of a Special Treat for the boys and girls of these Schools." These Gifts
were granted out of the Parish rents.

The Queen's Jubilee was also celebrated in a more personal manner
by the Vicar and Churchwardens, who, at their own expense, caused
medals to be struck commemorating the event. The design is given
below, and has been much admired ; the profile of the Queen is
exceptionally good, and compares favourably with the new coins
struck in the same year.

MEDAL STRUCK IN COMMEMORATION OF THE JUBILEE
OF QUEEN VICTORIA, 1887.

Medals in bronze were presented to the members of the Vestry, and
to the chief officials of the Parish, and medals in white-metal to all the
children attending the Girls' and Boys' Schools.

THE VICARS.

NO trace can be found of any of the Vicars of St. Giles, Cripplegate,
until towards the end of the 13th Century. In the Hustings
Roll of the Corporation of the City of London, is enrolled a Will, dated
1279, of Philip, Vicar of the Church of St. Giles Without Cripplegate,
whereby he Wills that his dwelling-house be sold by his executors,
and the proceeds distributed for pious uses. In a Deed dated 1280,
Robert de Lausele is described as Rector of St. Giles Without Cripple-
gate. When the office of Sub-Dean in St. Paul's Cathedral was created
in 1295, and the living of St. Giles set aside for its endowment, Robert
de Lausele was appointed the first Sub-Dean. In 1847, on this ground
the then Sub-Dean of St. Paul's claimed the living of St Giles, but the
Bishop ruled that the evidence in support of his claim was not sufficient.
In 1333 Peter de Berkhampstede, in 1348 John Ferour, in 135 1
Martin Elys, in 1353 Johri*Philip are styled Vicars, and in 1360
" Bartholomew " is described as perpetual Vicar of the Church of
St. Giles Without Cripplegate.

In a document in Rymer's " Foedera," dated 137 1, Philip de Norton,
Vicar of St. Giles, beyond Cripplegate, is mentioned as having license to
go to the Court of Rome. In the Hustings Roll, between the years
1378-1393, John Trowbridge is mentioned several times. The fire in
the Church in 1545, and the destruction of the archives of the Dean and
Chapter of St. Pauls (the Patrons of the living), in the Great Fire of
London of 1666, are the chief causes of such scanty information as to
the Vicars of Saint Giles. The next reference after those in the 14th
Century is found in the Will of one John Sworder, dated 2nd April,
1500, in which he bequeaths to Mr. Thomas Sworder, "Vicar of the
Parish Church of St. Giles, Cripplegate," eight tenements in Fore Street,
to pay certain charges, and after " to allow the residue to remain in a
chest within the church, having three locks, of which the Vicar and
Churchwardens should respectively keep the keys, until it reach the

amount of ^40 as above, to the intent that when any fifteenth should
be granted to the King by Parliament, the same money should be
applied in aid of the poor inhabitants of the Parish towards their charge
of the same fifteenth, and that if any money be remaining in the chest
after the charge of such fifteenth, that it be applied towards such things
as should be necessary for the Church of St. Giles, aforesaid, or towards
the works or reparation of the same."

Part of the proceeds of this bequest is still used for church repairs.

In a lease, a copy of which is among the Cripplegate papers, to one
John Kennedy, on 8th March, 1557, Henry Mallet, clerke, is mentioned
as "Vicar of St. Giles, Creplegate." The next Vicar, and the first to
whom existing Parish records make any reference, is Robert Crowley.
The date of Crowley's appointment is not known, but in a lease to a
William Maskell of 10th March, 1564, his name occurs as "Vicar of
Cripplegate."

Robert Crowley, after taking his degree at Oxford and becoming a
Fellow of Magdalen College, settled, owing to the religious difficulties of
the time, as a stationer and printer, in Ely Rents, Holborn, where for
three years he carried on this business, and was the first to print and
publish the "Vision of William " concerning "Piers the Plowman."
Three different impressions were issued from his press in 1550. When
ordained by Bishop Ridley, he is styled " Stationer of the Parish of
St. Andrews, Holborn." His sympathies were with the extreme Puritans
in their strong dislike to all church ceremonial, and their desire that the
Psalms and other portions of the service should be read instead of
chanted. In this he was so far ahead of the ideas of his parishioners
and of his ecclesiastical superiors, that he was frequently in trouble, and
placed in positions of some danger. It was on this account that he was
for a time deprived of his living. His objection to the surplice led to
his deprivation. On 28th March, 1566, for refusing to conform he was
suspended. This he disregarded. On the 1st April, 1566, the singers,
relying on the new orders, appeared to take part in a funeral service
in the Church, dressed in their habits. They were met by Crowley,
his Curate, and the Deputy, at the Church door, and ordered " to
take off these porter's coats." The Deputy threatened to lay the
singing men fast by the feet if they would break the peace.
The singers retired. The Lord Mayor complained to the Arch-
bishop, who summoned Crowley and the Deputy to appear. Crowley
said his conscience would not allow him to wear the surplice, nor would it

allow him to cease from his duties as vicar, unless he were discharged.
The Bishop said he did discharge him, to which Crowley replied, he
would be discharged by a court of law. Crowley was ordered to keep
his house, and the Deputy was bound over in ^ioo to appear again
if called on. A month after this three-score women went to the Bishop
of London's house, to ask him to remove an inhibition he had laid on
the lecturer at St. Giles for contumacy. The Bishop replied, " that he
would not in such case deal with such numbers of women, as much
misliking such kind of assembling, but he wished them to send him
half-a-dozen of their husbands, and with them he would talk."

Crowley was obstinate, and in three months deprivation followed.
He was sent to Dr. Cox, Bishop of Ely, and on 28th October an order
was issued to the Archbishop of Canterbury and the Bishop of London
to order the case of Mr. Crowley, who had been committed to the
Bishop of Ely, as it was more fit for them than the Council. In 1569 he
dates the preface of one of his volumes from his house in Southwark,
near London. In 1574 he preached before the Lord Mayor and
Common Council, and in 1576 was presented to St. Lawrence Jewry,
the patronage for this turn having lapsed to the Bishop of London. On
the death of Draunt, in April, 1578, Crowley was again installed in
Cripplegate, and on May 5th his successor was appointed to St. Lawrence
Jewry, by the patron. On the 22nd April, 1582, we find Crowley
as Vicar, signing a lease (in which mention of the " Quest House "
is made), and from this date until May, 1588, his signature occurs
regularly to the audit of " Sworder's " accounts. He was admitted a
member of the Stationers' Company, in 1578, and after his death, his
widow having fallen into poverty, the Company allowed her, in 1592, a
noble per year towards her support. Although he did not live to
see it, Crowley's teaching and example no doubt bore fruit in the next
generation when, during the great constitutional struggle of the time, the
men of Cripplegate were zealous partizans of the Parliament.

In a lease, a copy of which still exists among the Parish papers,
Thomas Draunt occurs as Vicar, on 12th February, 1568-9. His burial
took place on 16th April, 1578. He would appear to have been in high
favour with Queen Elizabeth, for when the Bishopric of Chichester was
vacant in 1570, she appointed him, on 21st January, Prebendary of
Chichester, on 31st January, Rector of Slinfold in Sussex, and on
27th February, Archdeacon of Lewes. The baptism of one daughter,
and the burial of another, would seem to point to his residence in the

60 SL Giles, Cripp legate.

Parish. His quarrels in the Diocese of Chichester occupy considerable
space in " Strype," who also quotes a sermon preached in St. Giles as
evidence, in his opinion, that Draunt was not quite sane. The name
in the copy of the lease and the entries in the Parish Registers are all
the memories now of his connection with St. Giles'. Lancelot Andrewes
succeeded Robert Crowley, and remained Vicar until 1604, when, on
being appointed Bishop of Chichester, he resigned the living of St. Giles.
It is said of him " that he was learned in fifteen ancient and modern
tongues." He was one of the translators of the authorised version of
the Bible. After him came Dr. John Buckeridge, who held the living
until his appointment as Bishop of Ely in 1628. He was appointed
Bishop of Rochester in t6ii, and, on account of the poverty of his See,
was allowed to retain the Vicarage of Cripplegate. It was during his
tenure of office as Vicar, that Oliver Cromwell, then just twenty-one
years of age, was married in St. Giles' Church to Elizabeth Bourchier,
daughter of Sir James Bourchier, one of the many country gentlemen
who made Cripplegate their London home. The entry under the head
of marriages for August, 1620, runs as follows: — "Oliver Crumwell and
Elizabeth Bourcher, 22. Lye.*" This is in the Clerk's writing, auto-
graph signatures, which would have made this entry more_ interesting,
unfortunately being not yet introduced.

The next Vicar, Dr. William Fuller, who succeeded Dr. Buckeridge in
1628, being a staunch Royalist and Churchman was latterly in constant
difficulties with his Parishioners, and many unbecoming scenes naturally
resulted. As an instance of the annoyance to which the Vicar was
subjected, the Parishioners on whom Parliament had, in 1641, conferred the
right of appointing a Lecturer, exercised that right by selecting for the
post John Sedgwick, Rector of the neighbouring Parish of St. Alphage,
an active member of the " Committee formed for raising money to carry
on the war against the King." {See Denton.)

Charges were made to the Privy Council against him by Robert
Grosse, one of his Curates, but the answer was as follows : —
January, 1639. — "Upon consideration of petition of Robert Grosse, Clerk, against
Dr. Fuller, Dean of Ely (Vicar of Cripplegate), the Lords declared that they
hold the same to be clamorous and in no sort to be credited against so Reverend
a person, whose integrity is in so good esteem with the Lords as the aspersions
endeavoured to be cast upon him weigh nothing with the Board." It is ordered,
"That Grosse's petition be rejected, and the business left to the Court of
High Commission. "

* The figures stand for the day of the month. " Lye." indicates marriage by licence, not after banns.

The Vicars. 6 1

In July, 1642, Timothy Hutton, Curate to Dr. Fuller, was assaulted
in the Church, and imprisoned by the House of Commons, for reading
the King's proclamation. In the same year Dr. Fuller himself was
deprived of the living and imprisoned by the Parliamentary party.
King Charles, however, afterwards rewarded him, as far as was in his
power, by presenting him to the Deanery of Durham. It is probable that
he reaped little or no benefit from the Royal favour, as we find him with
the King at Oxford, and after the surrender of that town to the Parlia-
mentary forces (the King having meanwhile made good his escape), he
returned to London and lived in obscurity until his death in 1659. He
was buried in the Church of St. Vedast, Foster Lane, being refused
burial in the Church of which he was some time Vicar. Newcourt in
his "Repertorium" says, that the value of the living of St. Giles in 1636,
was returned "as followeth: — Tyths, ,£360, Casualties, ^140, and a
Vicarage House" — a considerable sum in those days, but hardly out
of proportion to the onerous duties resting on the Vicar, the Church
being the only one in the entire district, extending to Shoreditch,
Islington and Pentonville. The charges upon the income are given as
first fruits jQ$2 $s., and other minor charges as £\2 45-. 6d.

From the time of the deprivation of Dr. Fuller in 1642, no Vicar
was inducted until Samuel Annesley's appointment by Richard Cromwell
in 1658. Bruno Ryves was appointed in 1646, but never took possession
of the living, Churchmen being at a discount in Cripplegate just then.
From 1648 to 1658 many entries occur of payments to "Ministers."
The Parish is known to have been active in the Parliamentary cause,
and probably the majority of the inhabitants were adherents of the
Independent Party, and opposed to the Presbyterians. This very likely is
the reason that no regular appointment was made. Many of the other City
parishes settled down to the Presbyterian form of government, electing
Elders, and the like. No record can be found that Cripplegate had a
share in subscribing the Solemn League and Covenant, nor can any
reference be found to any contribution towards the ,£100,000 to bring
into England the Scotch Army in aid of the Parliament. Whatever
was the reason, no Minister of any denomination can be found as
having held the living. In one part of a Minister's duty, marriages,
there would be but little need for him, very few marriages being
solemnized in the Church during this period, marriages having come
to be looked upon merely as a civil contract, and not a religious rite.
The result was there were butfew publications of banns or registrations

62 St. Giles, Crippkgate.

of marriages, and an Act was passed in 1653 to make both compulsory.
The following three extracts from the Registers, will illustrate the dif-
ferent practices of the time: —

Marriages in October, 1653. with their several Dayes

of Publications, as also the places Where, with the Dayes of the

Marriages successively.

"Evan Pritcharcl and Judith Fleming both of our parish of Giles Cripplegate were
published three several market dayes in Newgate Market in three several weekes
concerning theire intention of marriage viz'- on the Ist 5th and 12th days of
October 1653 and married the 23rd day of the said month. —

Per Justice Blomer."

"Thomas Coates of the parish of Pancras Soperlane and Ann Partridge of Essex
the daughter of Bartho : Partridge of Priors Hall in the County of Essex
were published in their respective parish Churches and married per Aid :
Titchbourne on the 2nd day of November 1653: by virtue of whose certificate
they were married the same day in our parish Church."

"James (the vellum has failed) and Jane Farmer of the parish of Stephen Coleman
Street were published in Cheapside Market three market dayes in three several
weekes viz'' on the 9th IIth and 18th dayes of December 1654 and were married
on the 19th day of the said December. — Per Christopher Pack, Lord Maior."

From 1648 to 1659, the annual audit of the Grand Account lacks the
signature of a Vicar, the Deputy of the Ward signing his name first
on the roll; Dr. Annesley first signs the audit on 14th June, 1660,
as Vicar.

The following are some of the payments made by the Vestry to

Ministers for Sermons : — ■

1648. — Mr- Kelly for sermon on Allhalowsday £2 los.

1649. — Mr- Torshell ,, ,, £2 10s.

1652. — Mr- Witham for a sermon iar.

1652. — Mr- Kelly for sermon on Allhallows day $os. [With the exception of 1649, Mr.

Kelly preaches the Allhallows day sermon every year from 1648 to 1658.]
1654. — Mr- Kelly for a sermon on a thanksgiving day the 24th March for the peace

concluded between England and the Netherlands 55.
1656.— Mr- White Minister for preaching on 28th February for the peace concluded

between England and France in November of last year ioj.
1657. — Mr- Mackarness for a sermon on a thanksgiving day ioj-.
1657. — Mr- White for a sermon on the 3rd June 1657 being a thanksgiving day iar.
1658. — Mr- Sheffield for a sermon 28th March 15J.
,, Meade ,, ,, 4th April 20s.

,, Mackarness ,, ,, 11th April 15 s.
,, 18th „ 15s.
1658. — Mr- Crooke for a sermon on Oct. 17th 15s.
Mr- Love for a sermon on Oct. 24th 20.C

It appears that the new Vicar had very decided Royalist predilections.
His first sermon in St. Giles is recorded as preached on Allhallows'
Day, 1658, and was speedily followed by petitions to Richard Cromwell,

The Vicars. 6

presumably for his removal. The three entries following occur in the
accounts before the close of that same year : —

Paid for conch hire several times to Whitehall and back again, and for a petition
and other charges concerning Dr- Annesley's business, 18s. 6d.

Layed out about Dr- Annesley's business in going several times to Westminster with
the New Petition and other charges, 145. 3</.

Laid out more about Dr- Annesley's business, £1 $s. 6cf.

Whether these petitions produced the desired result or not is not clear,
but in the year of the Restoration Dr. Annesley's view of the case is
shown in a petition he makes to Charles II, wherein he states, " he
publickly detested the horrid murder of your Royal Father," ....
and "refused to send a Horse against your Majesty at Worcester," and
" sent a man (he being away from home at the time) 40 miles to seize
upon the keys of his Church lest any one should keep a thanksgiving
service there for Worcester." His chief grievance would seem to have
been against Cromwell (whom, in his opinion, "God would discover to
be the arrantest hypocrite that ever the Church of Christ was pestered
with '■'), that though he had been necessitated to quit a parsonage worth
^200 or ^300 per annum, yet Cromwell stood in the way of his
promotion ; and later on, while presenting him to a vacant Lectureship
at St. Paul's " to cover his base injustice," Oliver with it only allowed him
;£i20 per annum instead of ^400 as previously. Charles II's decision
seems hardly to have been satisfactory to Dr. Annesley.

At this time a petition signed by the Earl of Bridgewater and 282 other
residents of Cripplegate (37 of whom made their mark) was presented to
the King in favour of Dr. Bruno Ryves. It sets forth " That by reason
of the late troubles the Doctor could not enjoy the benefit of His
Majesty's favours nor your petitioners the benefit of his labours soe at
present one Dr. Ansly doth possesse the said Vicaridge contrary to the
votes and desires of the inhabitants of the said Parish who were altogether
ignorant how he came to possess the same, the said Dr. Ansly pretend-
ing to be settled upon us by a grant from the late Tyrant or his son. "

Annesley, however, continued Vicar of Cripplegate until St. Bartholo-
mew's Day, 1662, when, on the Act of Uniformity coming into force,
he resigned with the best grace he could. He would, however,
appear to have been admired by some part of his parishioners in St.
Giles. Many of them continued to avail themselves of his ministrations
when he afterwards opened a Chapel in Great St. Helens, Bishopsgate,
amongst others, the family of Foe, afterwards altered to " De Foe," one
of the members of which (young at this time) has since immortalised

64 St. Giles, Cripplegate.

the name as author of "Robinson Crusoe." Dr. Annesley died in 1696,
better known to the public as an ancestor of the noble brothers Wesley,
founders of the now considerable religious body called after them.
Susannah, the wife of Samuel Wesley, and mother of John and Charles
Wesley, to whose training they and the world owe so much, was a
daughter of this same Dr. Annesley, but her marriage seems to have
displeased her father, as in Annesley's will she is not mentioned — other
brothers and sisters sharing the property left.

The unsettled times just mentioned were followed by a re-action to
enthusiastic Royalism. We find the next Vicar, John Dolben, had been
all his life a staunch Royalist. At Oxford he had taken up arms for the
King, and he now had his reward. He had married a niece of
Dr. Sheldon, the Bishop of London, and was made by him Archdeacon
of London, and Canon of St. Paul's; to this the living of Cripplegate
was added, but after two years he resigned it for the Deanery of
Westminster. In 1666 he was made Bishop of Rochester, and in 1683
Archbishop of York, where he died from small-pox in 1686. In his time
the first movement was made towards building a Church in the Lordship
part of the Parish — that part outside the Freedom of the City and
extending to Pentonville and Islington, and which is now comprised in
the Parish of St. Luke. The minutes read as follows : —

June 9, 1663. — Ordered forthwith that there bee two men chosen by the Freedom
and two men likewise by the Lordship that live out of this Parish to treat about the
building of the Church in the Lordship, and upon their non-agreement if such be : it be
referred to Mr- Deane Dolben finally to determine on the whole matter.

Nothing however was settled until 1732 — nearly three-quarters of a
century afterwards — (see pp. 36, 37).

Soon after the Act of Uniformity, and the induction of Dr. John
Dolben, a change was made in the manner of conducting the services ;
there was a return to the forms of the Church of England, with surpliced
clergy, and the use of the Book of Common Prayer, as is shown by
such entries as the following : — ■

1662. — A surplus be provided speedily of holland for the reader.

2 books of Common Prayer.

2 ,, ,, of the last translation.

1663. — For 10 ells of Holland at 4s. per ell for surplis £2 ; For making the surplis 12s.

2 Common Prayer Books of the last impression, 18.J.

Church Bible ,, ,, £2 y. 4^.

In the Inventory at this time occurs the following : —
"Item. Three hour glasses and one half hour glass,"
and a year or so afterwards — •

"Hem. Three glases, one running an hour, another three quarters and a third
half an hour."

When Archbishop of York, Dr. Dolben was described as a "Preaching
Bishop," and one wonders, when Vicar of St. Giles, which of these
glasses he was in the habit of using.

For many years previous to this time these graduated glasses were in
general use. So far back as 1552, the following entry occurs in the
Churchwardens' accounts of St. Michael, Cornhill : —

•' Item for an houre glasse for ye churche iiijr/."
Other City churches can show similar entries, and one can well imagine
the anxiety of the congregation to see which glass a dull preacher sets
in motion, and with what earnestness they watch the sand run its course.

Dolben's successor was John Pritchett, one of the most noted pluralists
of his day. He held, at his death in 1681, in addition to the Vicarage
of Saint Giles, the Bishopric of Gloucester, the living of Harlingdon,
and a stall in St. Paul's Cathedral. During his Incumbency the Great
Plague raged at its highest in Cripplegate, and one is hardly surprised
that he retired from his Parish during that time. Thomas Luckeyne, a
Curate, was left behind, and on the death of the Parish Clerke; Dr.
Pritchett, on 23rd August, in a letter from his country house,
commissioned Luckeyne "to see the place of Clerke well and sufficiently
supplied in every respect, and to take the Clerke's dues for his paines."
The appointment was ratified by the Vestry on 4th September.
It is comforting to find from the Parish Registers that in spite of his
(the Vicar's) bad example devoted men remained, who knew their duty,
and did it, though at the cost of their lives. The following names of
Nonconformist Ministers are given as dying of the Plague : all honour
be to them : — Samuel Austin, John Askew, Samuel Skelton, Abraham
Jennaway, Henry Morley, John Wall.

On the death of John Pritchett, in 1681, he was succeeded by Edward

Fowler, who also seems not to have thought it contrary to his profession

to undertake more duties than he could perform in person, as we find

him for 23 years Vicar of the Parish (surely no sinecure, if properly

performed), and also Bishop of Gloucester. He seems to have been

well liked by his parishioners, though he did not always at first carry

out his own points. See following extracts : —

1700. — It was ordered "That the chancel of the Church be put in good repair at
the charge of the Parish, in acknowledgment of the bounty and kindness of the Vicar,
the Bishop of Gloucester, who hath for a long time provided a Lecturer at his own
charge.

66 Sf. Giles, Cripplegate.

Oct. 30, 1706. — The Bishop requesting this Vestry to choose a Lecturer for this
Parish and recommending for their choice Mr- Thomas Sawyer, they debated the same
for some time and then dispersed themselves without coming to any resolution thereon.

Sept. 15, 1708. — The Right Rev. Father in God Edward Lord Bishop of Gloucester
Vicar of St. Giles, Cripplegate representing at this Vestry his having provided and paid
a Lecturer at his own charge for five and twenty years last past, his being disabled by
reason of age and sickness to preach himselfe in a morning any longer his being at the
charge of a person to preach for him and that his family is large and the profits and
income of his Vicarage very much decreased and having requested the said Vestry to
ease him in his said charge by choosing Mr- Thomas Sawyer, Lecturer, It was agreed
and ordered by a great majority of the persons then present that as well for the
consideration afore mentioned as also of the several favours and kindnesses in many
respects granted to this Parish by his Lordship, since he hath been Vicar thereof, that
the said Mr' Thos- Sawyer should be and he is chosen Lecturer to preach the afternoon
sermon of a Sabbath day during the life of his Lordshipp if the said Mr- Sawyer shall
think fit and shall so long live.

It was in Dr. Fowler's time that the Cripplegate Boys' School was
started (1698) ; afterwards ground was purchased, and the first permanent
building erected in 1709, by voluntary subscription, added to a legacy of
one Thomas Moore. In the same year the Lady Holies School for
Girls was also founded, under a bequest of Lady Eleanor Holies,
daughter of the Earl of Clare. The amount bequeathed was invested
in ground rents, and by a decree in Chancery, a body of Trustees
was appointed, by whom the School was established. At first it was
carried on in the Boys' School House, when fifty girls wrere admitted,
receiving a free education. Additional bequests were afterwards made
for the same purpose, and these, together with subscriptions and
contributions, enabled the Trustees to enlarge the School to receive
one hundred girls. Both Schools have continued with increased
efficiency until the present time. The Girls are now located in
commodious premises in Redcross Street, with 250 girls in the Upper
School, and no in the Infants; 105 in the Upper School being clothed
out of the Trust funds, and 40 in the Infants' School, out of the funds
left for the purpose in " Robert Hitchin's " Charity, administered by
the Clothworkers' Company and the Churchwardens of Cripplegate.
The Boys' School is now conducted in specially built but not too spacious
or well planned premises in Bridgewater Square, and educates 170 boys
in the Upper and 100 in the Lower School. Clothes are provided for
150 of the Upper School Boys.

Built and partly supported by surplus funds of The Lady Holies
School Trust is a Middle Class School for Girls in Mare Street, Hackney,
with 250 scholars on the books, who pay sums varying (according to age)
from four to six pounds per annum for their education.

The Vicars. 67

Dying in August, 17 14, Dr. Fowler was succeeded by William
Whitfield, who, during a short tenure of office, was not on the most
pleasant terms with his parishioners. He could scarcely have been
appointed when the following entry in the minutes of the Vestry occurs,
which, to modern minds, must seem a strange way of attempting to
transact parochial business : —

Sept. 19, 1714, — A Committee of six Vestrymen of the Freedom and six of the Lord-
ship, and the four Churchwardens to meet the Reverend the Vicar, every Thursday night
at six of the clock at "Fellows Coffee House" to consult matters relating to the Parish.

Probably, and it is not surprising, the Vicar did not like the proposed
arrangement, and but few of the meetings took place, for on June 19th,
1 7 15, we find the Vicar, in his turn, "proposed and desired that the
Committee formerly appointed to meet him of a Thursday night at
Fellows' Coffee House, to consult the affairs of the Parish, will come to
his house on that night weekly for the future." The Vestrymen, however,
seemed determined to ensure more convivial surroundings for their
meetings, for on January 15th, 17 16, it was proposed by the Vestry —

"That the Committee will meet Dr. Whitfield of a Thursday night, at five o'clock
weekly, to consult about having a workhouse in each part of the Parish, the first
meeting to be on Thursday the 24th inst. at the Castle Tavern at Cripplegate."

As, however, the Vicar only lived a few months after, nothing decisive
was arrived at, and during the short period of his incumbency, he had
little time to make any mark in the Parish, or set on foot any work of
importance.

These unpleasant relations between the congregation and its head
seem, unfortunately, to have been continued with greater bitterness
under the next Vicar, Thomas Bennet. Unseemly disturbances were of
constant occurrence in the Church and Parish. This bad feeling is hardly
to be wondered at, considering the unusual variety of sects and religious
bodies in the district. In addition to the Church of England men, there
were Quakers (passively resistant) well represented, the members of
two Anabaptist Meeting-houses, two Independent, and one Roman
Catholic Chapel, all, as may well be imagined, not over tolerant of the
difference between their own and their neighbours' religious views, and
possibly still less tolerant of the payment of Church rates and tithes.
In 1 7 19 we find three Quakers were brought before the Court of
Exchequer for non-payment of tithe of 2s. gd. in the pound. After being
in Court three years, the case was decided against the Vicar, with the
result, no doubt, of leading many others to refuse payment. The following
minute shows that the collection of the Church rate was troublesome.

f 2

" That the Churchwardens be empowered to prosecute such people
at Doctors Commons as shall refuse to pay the Church rate." And
again in April, 1705, with reference to two complaints against the same
rate, " decided by the majority to rebate neither rate nor charge nor any
part thereof." The question of payment of tithes and Church rates
was no doubt then, as it always has been, a knotty one, and does not
belong to our own times alone. Dr. Bennet was little likely to be
tolerant of opposition, for he is well known as a champion of the
Church of England against Popery and Dissent ; he came into a Parish
over-burdened with poor, and was himself rendered liable to arrest for
non-payment of Poor Rate at the beginning of his Ministry, which no
doubt embittered him in his treatment of the Vestry. Less than two
years after his induction, i.e., on the 2nd May, 17 18, we find him
" sueing the Churchwardens in the Court of the Dean and Chapter of
St. Pauls for fees for burial of the poor pensioners" — 2s. on each such
burial. On June 12, the Vestry "resolve to stand by the Church-
wardens," and allow them the assistance of counsel. Bennet seems to
have been driven to extremes to defend himself. The position may
be briefly described as follows : — The Vicar had right in saying to the
Vestry, "you deny me my tythes, you deny me my rights under the lease
of the Quest House and 'the four shoppes,' you tax me for the poor,
and you seek to deny me my proper dues, which I will claim in a
Court of Law."

On 1 8th December, 1723, the Vestry resolve "That the suits depending
at Doctors Commons against Dr. Thos. Bennet to oblige him to dis-
tribute the Sacrament monies in his hands to the use it was given be
proceeded in with effect by the Churchwardens from time to time (till
the same be determined) at the charge of the Parish."

On March 29th, 1725, Dr. Bennet challenges the right of the Vestry
to elect both Churchwardens (see page 172), and on 21st July, 1727, the
Churchwardens "are empowered to advise with Council about the Vicar's
claiming a right from the Deane and Chapter of St. Paul's as ordinary of
this Parish about the right of burying in the Churchyard adjoining the
Church, and to take such other measures as they see proper concerning
the same." The great dispute, out of which all these arose, is
mentioned on page 178. On his death in 1728, he was succeeded by
Dr. John Rogers, who, though only holding the living until May in the
following year, has left a record of exemplary discharge of his duties,
exhibiting much devotion to the material and spiritual well-being of his

The Vicars. 69

parishioners. His endeavours to heal the breach between the Vicar
and the people caused by the many controversies in Dr. Bennet's time,
were, however, owing to his premature death, of too short duration to
make any lasting improvement. Dr. Rogers' biographer says: — "That
had he lived, it would have been no hyperbole to say there was a Vicar
of Cripplegate a popular man in his Parish."

During the earlier part of the time of his successor, Dr. Nicholls, the
feelings of animosity were as strong as ever. Denton says there was
"constant parochial warfare," and emphasizes this by the following
extract from the will of one Ned Ward, dated 1731 : —
Oh ! bury not my peaceful corpse

In Cripplegate, where discord dwells,
And wrangling parties jangle worse
Than alley scolds or Sunday's bells.

But after a year or two a fair amount of good-will and confidence seems
to have been exhibited towards Dr. Nicholls, as, when the Deputy Parish
Clerk, Mr. Peake, was prosecuted by the Parish "for acting as Clerk
without due license," the Register Books were "ordered to be placed in
Dr. Nicholls' hands for keeping the same, and the current Registers, when
full, to be placed in his hands for the same purpose."

Amid all the discords, however, some steady work must have been
going on in the Parish, as, during his incumbency in 1732, the Church
of St. Luke was built, for the accommodation of the vastly increased
population of the district, for whom no room could be made in St. Giles,
and then the two Churches, with their respective Parishes, were made
quite distinct {see pp. 36, 37, 64). At Easter, 1733, eacn Vestry elected
its Committee on the Charitable Funds. Dr. Nicholls continued in office
till his death in 1774, having then held the living for 45 years, a longer
period than any previous Vicar. After him, we have George William
Hand, of whom little is known, but from that very fact, and also from
the comparison drawn between him and his successor, it may be well
inferred that his was a peaceful time. Not so, however, under the next
Vicar's rule, William Holmes, M.A., who succeeded him in 1802. In
addition to the living of St. Giles', he for 30 years held the office
of Sub-Dean of His Majesty's Chapel Royal. This latter office was
possibly more to his taste, as we find he was very unfavourably thought
of, on account of non-residence in the Parish. Another grievance against
him was his grasping spirit in the matter of tithes. In a volume called
" Choice Scraps " (in the Guildhall Library), there is a large collection
of letters, pamphlets, &c, from 1820 to 1832, on the subject, with many

yo St. Giles, Cripplegate.

addresses to the Parishioners, calling upon them to resist payment.
Comparisons, by no means favourable, are very freely instituted between
him and his predecessor, such as the following : — ■

In 1800, the Rev. Dr. Hands, the resident Vicar of Cripplegate, was content to
receive Tythes and Church Dues to the value of ^400 per annum in paper currency.

In 1832, the Rev. W. Holmes, the non-resident Vicar of Cripplegate, receives
Tythes, Compensations, Glebe and Church Dues of about ^2,300 per annum in
gold currency.

In justice to the Vicar, it should be mentioned that this great increase was
in a considerable measure due to an Act of Parliament of 7th George IV,
which extinguished tithes and Easter offerings for the Clergy, and
ordered the Churchwardens instead, to levy a Church Rate : that in the
Parish of St. Giles to be fixed at a sufficient amount to pay to the Vicar
,£1,800, for his stipend and for the necessary expenses of the Church.

Cap. 54, Sec. 1 of the above Act states : —

Whereas it will be beneficial to the inhabitants of the Parish that a certain annual
stipend should from henceforth be paid to the Vicar of the said Parish for the time being
^1,800 subject to such averages according to the price of Wheat from time to time
in lieu satisfaction and discharge of all Tithes and Easter offerings or payments in lieu
of Tithes to which such Vicar is entitled within the said Parish.

Sec. 28 runs as follows : —

And whereas the said annual sum of One thousand eight hundred pounds is the
average price for ten years preceding the 25th day of December last of 4,105 bushels
of good marketable Wheat within the said City of London according to the returns
published in the London Gazette ; and it is expedient that the annual sum to be paid
to the Vicar for the time being of the said Parish should be subject to revision or
variation every tenth year from and after the passing of this Act and that the
annual stipend to the said Vicar for the time being should from time to time be the
same number of bushels of good marketable Wheat according to the average price
thereof within the said City of London, for the period of ten years then preceding.

The result of above Act has been that the Vicar's stipend has been
gradually diminishing (with the exception of the decade 1 875-1 885), as
the following table will show : — ■

From Christmas, 1S25 to Christmas, 1S35 -

1835 „ 1845 "

1845 », i855 "

1855 „ 1865 -

1865 ,, 1875 "

1875 ,, 1885 -

1885 „ 1895 -

When in 1851 the present Parish of St. Bartholomew was carved out
of the Parish of St. Giles, a sixth part of the amount payable to the
Vicar of St. Giles was allocated towards the stipend of the Vicar of St.
Bartholomew. At the time of the appointment of the present Vicar,

1,800

1,526

1 1

1,509

10-

1,421

1,317

1,411

1,133

a further sum of ^200 per annum was, by an order of the Privy
Council, ordered to be paid to the Rector of St. Luke, thus reducing
the amount received by the Vicar of St. Giles to less than ^750 per
annum.

These further extracts following, show the Parishioners' grievance as
to the advanced rateable value of House property in the Parish : —

In 1800, houses were rated at half their rental, and Tythes and Church Rates paid by
the occupiers of the best houses did not exceed 35/- per annum.

In 1832, houses are rated upon Rack Rents, the Tythes and Church Rates paid by
the occupiers of the best houses being from £\2 to ,£14 per annum.

The succeeding Vicar was Frederick Blomberg, D.D. It is said that
he was of a most charitable disposition, and universally esteemed.
A tablet in the south aisle of the Church states that " he gave the
munificent sum of ^750 during the first three years of his Pastorate,
towards relieving the necessities of his poor parishioners." A well-
executed painting of him in oil hangs in the Vestry-room of the
Quest House. He died in 1847, and was succeeded by William
Hale Hale, M.A., Archdeacon and Canon of St. Paul's. He is also
spoken of as of a kindly disposition, and one who bestowed much
thoughtful charity among his parishioners. Resigning in 1857, he was
succeeded by Philip Parker Gilbert, M.xA, who held the living until his
death in 1886. He was a man of great business capacity, and at one
time possessed commanding eloquence. Soon after his induction to the
living, he commenced the work of arousing an interest both in the
Parish and the City at large, in the restoration of the Church. In this,
with the help of successive Churchwardens and others, he was eventually
successful. His business qualities also materially assisted in framing
measures for the more efficient management of the different Parochial
Charities, and he was the leading spirit in the management of the Boys'
and Girls' Schools, and of the Metropolitan Dispensary, as well as in the
more immediate work of the Parish.

He was succeeded by the present Vicar, Albert Barff, M.A., who
entered on his duties fresh from the important post of head of the
Choir School of St. Paul's Cathedral. During his as yet brief tenure of
the office, he has won for himself golden opinions, and the good wishes of
all. He was appointed to the Prebendal Stall of Twyford in St. Paul's
Cathedral in September, 1887.

THE MONUMENTS.

AS mentioned in the account of the Church, the fire of 1545 destroyed
most of the monuments, and there are none now existing prior to
1575 ; the one to Thomas Busby is of this date, and is in a remarkably
good state of preservation.

It may be here mentioned that this, with several others, notably
Constance Whitney's and Edward Harvist's, is of white marble
varnished over. This seems to have been done ulterior to 170S, with
the idea of more effectually preserving them, as a writer of that time
describes one of the monuments as "a very spacious white marble."
From various sources we gather that many monuments and tablets
have been removed or covered over during different " plasterings."
Stow mentions one especially, which he describes as " a very fair table
with a rich Coat of Arms, hanging upon a pillar in the middle aisle,
under it a long inscription, and below all, Two Hands joined, one out of
a Cloud, and the other out of a Globe," and these words : —
"TILL THEN FAREWELL."

Stow also mentions that the Church was full of carved Heraldic
Arms — mentioning thirteen Escutcheons of Arms of one family. A
manuscript in the Ashmolean Library of the Bodleian, Oxford, contains
the following as appearing in St. Giles' Church : —

For the Clarke's wife, of the parish, in the middle ile before the pulpitt in a faire
brass monument is the wrighten: —

" Body— I Mary Pawson lye below sleeping
Soul— I Mary Pawson sitte above waking
Both — We hope to meet again with glory clothed
Then Mary Pawson for ever more blessed.

She lived 70 years and dyed 1599.

74 St Giles, Cripplegate.

The entry of the burial in the Church Register is as follows : —

Mary, wife of Richard Pawson, Sadler, Parish Clarke (buried), 20 September, 1599.

Malcolm, writing in 1805, speaking of the monuments, says: — "The

floor of the enclosure for the font partly covers several large stones,

having on them seven lozenges, each containing a field, on which have

been brass plates."

These stones have either been removed from the Church, or the
inscriptions have been defaced by wear of many feet, as also is the
following, described in 1708, as inscribed on a grey marble slab in front
of the Communion rails ; this is not now to be found.

HENRY COLEBURNE,

Died August 8th, 1655,

Aged 57.

Silence ! but a word, namely, that he
Was pious, wise, just, merciful and free ;
This was his work, to quench illegal hates,
Not conquer Kingdoms, but compose debates ;
How rare a pilot in such tempests known,
Many estates embarked, but shipwrecked none.
Pardon his meaner grave, who thought it meet,
By virtue, not with fabrics, to be great,
For to his tomb none could more trophies bring
A useful man on earth, in Heaven a King.

Epitaph.

Before this stone interred lies

The lame man's feet, the blind man's eyes,

Blest when at the last judgment he

With these, shall his Redeemer see,

None like to those except that Eye

Of faith which brings plerophory.

The composer of above is unknown, and no more efforts of his
genius are discernible in the Church, but he evidently had as much
"plerophory" in his own powers of composition as in Henry Coleburne's
merits.

The Registers record —

" Henry Coleburne, Scrivener, Jaundice, buried 9th August."

"Smyth's Obituary" says —

Henry Colborn Scrivener in Wal brook died Aug'- 8.

We shall now proceed to describe the Monuments that are still to be
seen in the Church.

The Monuments.

THOMAS BUSBY,
Buried, July nth, 1575.

The monument to this Cripplegate worthy is at the east end of the
north wall, and is a fairly well executed half-length figure, in the dress of
the period; his right hand resting upon a skull, and his left holding a
pair of gloves. A Coat of Arms surmounting the whole.

On the tablet below is the following inscription : —

This Busbie willing to reeleve the Poore with Fire and with Breade

Did give that howse whearein he dyed, Then called ye Queene's Heade

Foure full loades of ye best Charcoles, he would have bought ech yeare

And fortie dosen of wheaten bread, for poore howsholders heare

To see these thinges distributed — this Busby put in trust

The Vicar and Church Wardenes, Thinkying them to be Just.

God grant that poore howsholders here may thankful be for such

So God will move the mindes of moe to doe for them as much

And let this Good Example move such men as God hath blest

To doe the like before they Goe with Busby to there rest

Within this Chappell, Busbies Bones in Dust awhile must stay

Till He that made them rayse them up to live with Christ for aye.

The entry in the Register is : —

Thomas Busby householder was buried the nth clay of July 1575.

j 6 St. Giles, Cripp legate.

Thomas Busby was one of the earliest benefactors of the poor of
Cripplegate, and the wish expressed in the inscription just quoted, as well
as his example, no doubt stimulated others to follow in his footsteps, as
during the next half century many similar bequests were made. There
seems to have been two houses devised by Busby's will, one the
Queene's Head, mentioned in the inscription, was let for ^10 per
annum in 1649. A lease was granted in 165 1, at an annual rent of
£12 and ,£150 fine, which rent seems to have been paid for many
years, but at the commencement of the present century both houses
realized only ^10 per annum. The property is under the control of
the Joint Estate Trustees of St. Giles and St. Luke, for the benefit of
the poor of both parishes, and is now of considerable value.

JOHN FOX,
Died April iSth, 1587.

John Fox, author of the famous " Book of Martyrs," lies buried

in the chancel. At the north-west end of the church is a large stone

slab inscribed as follows : —

CHRLSTO. SS.

JOHANNI FOXO, EcCLESI/E AXGLICAN.-E

Martyrologo FIDELISSIMO, antiqui-

TATIS HISTORIC/^ INDAGATORI SAGACIS-

SIMO, EVANGELIC/E VERITATIS PROPUGNAT-

ORI ACERRIMO, THAMATURGO ADMIRABILI,

QUI MARTYRES MARIANOS, TANQUAM

PHCENICES EX CINERIBUS REDIVIVOS

PR.ESTITIT, PATRI SUO OMNI PIETATIS

OFFICIO INPRIMIS COLENDO, SAMUEL FOXUS, ILLIUS

l'RIMOGENITUS, HOC MONUMENTUM POSUIT

NON SINE LACHRYMIS.

Obiit die XVIII mens : April an0

SALUTIS, 1587, IAM SEPTUAGENARIUS.

Vita Vit.-e mortalis est spes
yit.e immortalis.

A translation of the above is cut on a brass tablet fixed below the

stone, as follows : —

JOHN FOXE.
The most faithful Martyrologist of the Church of England, the most sagacious
investigator of Historical Antiquity, the most valiant Defender of the Evangelical
Truth, a wondrous worker of Miracles, who presented the Marian Martyrs like
Phrenixes, alive from their ashes.

Chiefly to fulfil every duty of filial affection, Samuel Foxe, his eldest son, erected
this monument, not without tears.

He died the 18th of April, A.D. 1587, a septuagenarian.

The Life of mortal life, is the hope of Immortal Life.

The Monuments. yy

It has been suggested that a better reading for a "wondrous worker
of miracles," would be, " a wondrous wonder worker."

This stone tablet, although commemorating the fact that one of the
most illustrious and worthy of Church of England Divines had found
his last resting place within the church walls, was, until the year 1862,
partly hidden by the wainscot in the chancel. An inscription, recently
cut on the stone states that Fox was some time Vicar of the Parish,
but this surely should be erased, as no warrant can be found for such
a statement. He certainly lived in the parish, in Grub Street (now
Milton Street), but the following should conclusively show that he was
not Vicar of St. Giles:— The late Mr. Pratt, of Coleman Street, in the
life prefixed to Fox's works, says "Tanner, in his Bibliotheca, states
'that he was for some time Vicar of Cripplegate,' but Fox's name
does not appear amongst the list of persons paying first fruits."

From the chronological list of Vicars of Cripplegate, it will be seen
that there really was not a time when he could have been Vicar ; very
probably he often assisted "Crowley," with whom in the matter of the
habits he was in sympathy. He may also have been described as
"Minister" of Cripplegate, as John Field is on the title-page of one
of his books, or as the Curates who died in the time of Andrewes
and Buckeridge are described in the Registers, as " Mynister of this
Parish," or " Mynester of the Church."

John Fox was born at Boston, in Lincolnshire, in 15 16. He took his
degree at Oxford in 1538, and became a Fellow of Magdalen College in
1539. He left his College in 1545. Had he remained longer, by the
conditions of his Fellowship, he must have taken orders, and the " six
articles " (celibacy, transubstantiation, the King's supremacy, &c.) at
that time stood in his way. He was appointed tutor in the family of
Sir Thomas Lucy, of Charlecote, and in 1547 was married there. He
is next found in London, in St. Paul's, in great distress, from which he
is relieved by the kindness of the Duchess of Richmond, who takes
him home to her house in Knightrider Street. By her influence, in
1548, Fox is appointed tutor to the children of the late Earl of
Surrey, son of the Duke of Norfolk, and continues as such at
Reigate, in Surrey, till 1553. In the meantime he is ordained
Deacon by the Bishop of London, on 24th June, 1550, having taken
up a temporary residence with the Duchess of Suffolk in Barbican
for that purpose.

Edward VI died in 1553, Norfolk was released, and his grandchildren
removed from Fox's care. By the help of his former pupil, afterwards
Duke of Norfolk, Fox and his wife were enabled to escape to the
Continent, where he resided for a time, working as a corrector for the
press at Strasburg. He there published his first work on the history of
the Church. From this he went to Frankfort, and afterwards to Basle,
then famous for its printers and printing presses. Here he continued to
work as a corrector for the press, and at the same time was busily
engaged in collecting materials for his great work, " the Acts and
Monuments of the Christian Church." While thus engaged, he repre-
sents himself in a letter as " reduced to his last penny." He did not
return to England immediately on the Accession of Elizabeth, but
remained for a time at Basle to publish the first edition of his " Acts
and Monuments."

In October, 1559, he returns, and resides in the Duke of Norfolk's
house in Aldgate. On January 25th, 1560, he is ordained Priest by the
Bishop of London, but demurs to the use of the " habits." For three
years after this he is with Parkhurst, Bishop of Norwich, and in 1563,
when the first great English edition of his work was published, he was
again in the Duke of Norfolk's house at Aldgate. In the following May
he was appointed to the Prebend of Shipton, in Salisbury Cathedral, the
first fruits of which he is obliged, from poverty, to ask the Queen to
remit. In 1564 he is residing at John Day's, the printer, in Aldersgate
Street, and in 1570 the second edition of his work is published. In this
same year he preached his famous sermon, on Good Friday, at Paul's
Cross. Next year the Convocation of Canterbury order a Copy of the
"Acts and Monuments" to be placed in all the Churches, to be read and
studied by the people, and in the same year Fox's house is in Grub
Street. The third edition of his book was published in 1576, and the
fourth in 1583. Worn out with his arduous labours, and well-known for
his unstinted charity, he died 18th April, 1587, and was buried in the
Chancel of St. Giles' Church, Cripplegate.

The entry in the Register is —

John Fox, householder, preacher was buried the 20th April 1587.

The following entries of Fox's family (?) occur : —

Fox the dr- of Mr. John Fox was buried the 25th October 1578.

Annie Fox, widow in Grub Street (buried) 16th March 1598.

The Monuments. 79

ROBERT GLOVER,

Died 1588.

Robert Glover has been described as an " indefatigable searcher after

Antiquities," his monument at the east-end of the south aisle is of marble,

handsomely sculptured, varnished and gilt, with inscription as follows : —

DEO OPT. MAX: ET POSTERITATI SACRUM.

Roberto Glovero, alias Somerset feciali cele-
berrimo, Heraldic^ sciential et veritatis antique vindi-
ci acerrimo, summam laudem et benevolentia ob prae-
clarum ingenium, peracre judicium ex multa veterum
scriptorum (labore indefesso) perscrutatice, mora fa-
cilitatem vitaeq : innocuae sanctimoniam apud omnes
consecuto: avunculo Chariss: Thomas Milles nepos

amoris hoc monumentum mcerens posuit.
Robertus iste natus Ashfordiae Cantii emporio, pa-
rentib9 ingenuis liberaliter educatus, in multis apprime
versatus heraldicae unice peritiss: evasit, Fratre uni-
cura Gulielmil ex Tho: et Mildreda PPA: Sorores autem
v. habuit. ex Elizabetha Flower conjuge v tantu su-
perstites reliquit liberos, filios sclt. in filiasque II.
Tandem, cum jam patriae orbiq : post varia exantlata
studia acuminis peritiae et diligentiae stupenda gustu
insigne praebere atq: principi Sereniss: suis meritis grat-
issimus esse cceperit: x April m,cccc,lxxxviii
aetatis suae XLV, vitam aerumnosam cum morte pie et
placide in uno Christo commutavit. Idq: omnium cum
doctissimorum turn optimorum undiq : pro tan-
to literar' pietatis et virtutis alumno, dolo-
re ac gemitu ut pote quern fata tantum
terris ostendisse videantur, nee
amplius esse sinant
R. G. Moriens ut viveret vixit ut moriturus.

The family arms surmount the inscription, with motto —

" Tolerandum et Sperandum."

The entries in the Registers are as follows : —

Robert Sommerset als Glover, gentleman, buried 13th April, 1588.

Thomas [Glover] als- Somerset, ye son of Mr. Somerset Harold, christened 23rd
June, 157b.

John Glover, sonne of Robert Glover als Somerset, Christened 22d March 1 580-1.

Robert Glover, son of Robert Glover als Sommerset harolde of Arms, Gent.
Christened 18th September 1586.

Under the Monument is a brass plate, stating that this inscription
having become obliterated by time has been restored, from motives of
high respect for the memory of Mr. Glover, as well as for the College
of Heralds, collectively and individually, by Frederick Henry Barnwell,
F.S.A., of Bury St. Edmunds, in Suffolk, who has received considerable

St. Giles, Cripplegatc,

pleasure from the Ordinary in Edmondson's Heraldry, as well as from
frequent sight of the original MSS. of Arms compiled by this eminent
person and attested, now in possession of Sir Thomas Gery Cullum,
Bart., of Hardwick House, in the same county, a.d. mdcccxxv.

There are a few misprints in the restoration, such as CANTH for
CANTII, GUSEV for GUSTV, VLTAM for VITAM, TEM for IE.II,
which the next restorer may see put to rights. An instance or two of
similar mistakes occur on Fox's and on Cage's Monuments.

Sir MARTIN FROBISHKK.

The present year being the Tercentenary of the Defeat of the Great
Spanish Armada, the Vestry of St. Giles, Cripplegate, thought that it
would be an opportune time to place a memorial in the Church to one
who played such a gallant part in that momentous struggle. The design
as shown above has been approved, and the monument is in course of
execution. When finished it will be placed on the wall in the south aisle.

As will be seen, the design is of Elizabethan character. The marbles

used are Dove for the backing, Sienna for the portion surrounding the

statuary panel, Irish green for the pilasters, and Sicilian for the other

portions. The upper tablet contains the following lines : —

Attend all ye who list to hear our noble England's praise,

I tell of the thrice famous deeds she wrought in ancient days ;

When that great fleet invincible, against her bore in vain,

The richest spoils of Mexico, the stoutest hearts of Spain. — (Macaulay.)

The centre is occupied by a three-masted ship of the period, with
a background of Arctic and West Indian scenery, thus indicating
Frobisher's share not only in defeating the Invincible Armada, but also
his work in the two regions named. On the lower tablet is the following

inscription : —

Within this Church lie the remains of
Sir MARTIN FROBISHER, Knight,

one of the first to explore

The Arctic Regions and The West Indies.

Having gained great glory

by his skill and bravery in. the Naval engagements

which terminated in the defeat of the

Great Spanish Armada, 1588,

he died from wounds received in Action off Brest,

22nd November, 1594.

This Monument was erected

in honour of his memory

by the

Vestry of St. Giles, Cripplegate,

1888.

Martin Frobisher was born of a good family at Doncaster about
1530-40; early in life he embraced the profession of the mariner, and
eventually became one of those great naval adventurers who carried
England's flag triumphantly over every sea, and who finally crushed the

^tl0/v*/r°&/h

FAC-SIMIEE OF FROBISHER S SIGNATURE.

power of Spain, the then boastful mistress of the seas. Frobisher was
the first of our great Arctic explorers. In 1576 he left England in
command of two tiny vessels of 25 tons each, to search for a north-west
passage to India. As many others have since done, he failed in this
object, but made discoveries that others have profited by, and one
portion of the sea in the Arctic zone still bears his name. He then
served with Drake in the West Indies, and returned in time to take part

Sf. Giles, Cripplegate.

in defeating the Great Armada, in which great fight he so distinguished
himself that he was the first of six who received then and there, at the
hands of Lord Howard of Effingham, the honour of Knighthood. The
power of Spain thus being temporarily crushed, he probably spent some
time ashore, Cripplegate being, no doubt, again honoured with his
presence, as just before this time Sir Humphrey Gilbert, with whom
Frobisher is known to have been intimate, resided there, as also did
Sir Roger Townsend, who was knighted at the same time as Frobisher,
and many of the great naval adventurers of the time no doubt con-
gregated here round him. At any rate, Frobisher must have had some
connection with the Church and Parish, for although dying at Plymouth,
we find him brought home to London — to Cripplegate — to be buried.

In 1594 he was in command of a squadron sent to support Henry IV
of France against the Leaguers and Spaniards. When off Brest he
received a wound, from the effects of which he shortly afterwards died,
in Plymouth. An entry occurs in the Register Book of St. Andrews,
Plymouth, as follows : —

On the 22nd Novemb. 1594. — Sir Martin Frobisher, Knight, being at the Fort
built against Brest, by the Spanyards, deceased at Plymouth this clay, whose entrails
were here interred, but his Corpse was carried hence to be burned in London.

The entry in St. Giles Cripplegate register book is as follows : —

Sr- Martyn Furbusher Knight (buried) 14 Jan^- 1594-5.

CHARLES LANGLEY,
Died, June, 1602.

The tablet that perpetuates the memory of Charles Langley is placed
very appropriately near to that of Busby on the north wall, for it may
well be that Busby's example inspired Langley with the desire of also

The Monuments. 83

helping his poor neighbours. The inscription on both breathes the same
spirit throughout.

The inscription runs as follows : —

With in this He lieth buried the bodie of
CHARLES LANGLEY,
Some time of this Parishe, Ale Brewer,
Who was buried the 8th day of June, Anno DiTi 1602,
And did give bountefully to the poore of this Parishe.

If Langlie's life thou liste to knowe reade on and take a viewe

Of Faith and Hope I will not speake his work shall shew them treue.

Whoe whilest he lived, wth counsaile grave, ye better sorte did guid

A stay to weake, a staffe to poore, wthout back-bite or pride.

And when he died he gave his mite all that did him befall

For ever once a yere to cloathe Saint Giles poore withall.

All Saintes hee pointed for the day *gownes xx redie made

Wth XX shirts, and xx smockes as they may best be hadd.

A sermond eke he hath ordayned that God may have his praiese

And others might be wonne thereby to followe Langlies waies.

On Vicar and Churchwardens then his truste he hath reposed

As they will answer him one day when all shalbe disclosed.

Thus beinge deade, yet still he lives lives never for to dye

In heaven's blysse, in worlde's fame and so I trust shall I.

Lanncellott Andrewe, Vicar.

John Taylor, Wm- Hewett, Edward Sicklyn, Richard Maye,
Ch urchwardens.

The entry in the Register is as follows : —

Mr. Charles Langley, Householder, Brewer, buried 8th June, 1602.

Charles Langley gave by his will to the Vicar and Churchwardens for
ever six messuages and tenements of the yearly value of ^"48 per
annum, for the purpose of clothing forty poor men and poor
women of Cripplegate. In the course of time the poor of the parish
have further largely benefited by Langley's will. The income now is
about ;£8oo per annum, and is managed by the Joint Estate Trustees
of St. Giles and St. Luke.

Langley was for some years a Vestryman of the Parish, and at one
time Churchwarden; his signature continually occurs as having been
present at the audit of Sworder's Accounts.

A curious account is given on pp. 209-10 of the cost of making these "gownes.'
and "shirts."

G 2

84 St. Giles, Cripplegate.

Near the north side of the chancel arch, but hidden by the organ,
is a neat marble slab, containing the following inscription : —

ROGER MASON,

Of this parish, Citizen and Vintner of London, gave to the poor of the freedom
of this parish ^200, wherewith a yearly rental of £16, or thereabouts, is purchased
for ever, to be bestowed on ten gowns of black cloth, lined, to be distributed yearly to
ten poor men of the freedom of this parish, upon All Saints' day, at the discretion of
the Vicar and Churchwardens of the time being.

He Died the 3rd day of September, 1603,

Aged 37 Years.

Which ^200 his wife, Jane, faithfully paid and joined the erection of this monument.

Set up Anno 1606.

This bequest is under the management of the Joint Estate Trustees.

The entry in the Register is : —

Roger Mason, Householder, Vintner, buried 6th September, 1603.

This was one of the Plague years, and the Registers show that
26 burials took place the same day, 36 the day before, and 26 the
day after, so that it is probable he was a victim to the visitation.

WILLIAM DAY,

Died 22nd September, 1603.

This monumental slab has recently been removed from behind the
organ and placed at the west end of the south aisle.
The inscription is as follows : —

WILLIAM DAIE,

Citizen and Vintener of London,

The Sone of Thomas Daye, of Boseham in Sussex, gent., and Elizabeth,

his wife,
Gave to ye poore of this parishe £&o, wh was paid by his brother, George Daie,
wherewith an yearely rent of £6, or thereabout, is purchased for ever, to be bestowed
on coots of green cloth, to be distributed yearely upon poore orphanes,

upon All Saunt day, at the discretion of ye Vicor & Churchwardens for ye time
beinge —

He lyeth buried in his parish church of St. Michael, in Cornehill, and

Died Septemb. 22, 1603.

32 Aetat : sure.

Sett up Ann : 1606 Maye the viii day.

The space for numbers is vacant on the monument as printed.

This bequest is under the management of the Joint Estate Trustees of
St. Giles and St. Luke.

The Monuments.

MATTHEW PALMER,
Died 1605.

The monument to Matthew Palmer is placed under the clock in
the north aisle, and consists of the recumbent figures of the deceased
and his wife, and in the panel below their five children, kneeling;
immediately below which is the original inscription and a well-designed
Cherub. Underneath all is a tablet with the inscription added in 1 7 1 2
(see next page). The whole monument is small compared with "Harvist's"
and others of the same date, but the figures are beautifully sculptured
and in an excellent state of preservation.

The original inscription was as follows : —

Here lyeth the body of Mathew Palmer, Esqr- who died yc iSth of May, 1005,
together wth Anne, his wife, who died ye laste day of June, 1630, by whome he had
four sonnes and one daughter, viz. :— Thomas Palmer, his eldest sonne, deceased, the
fifte of May, 1631, and here also buried, Elizabeth, Edward, Andrew and Ralfe,
who, when it also pleaseth God, desire this place for the custodie of their bodies,
likewise, till their assured and glorious resurrection.

There seems to be no mention in the parish records (excepting in the
Register of Burials) of his name, or of any work done by him for the
parish or church that received his remains, but he was evidently of
some note. Stow speaks highly of him, and describes his Coat of Arms.

86 St. Giles, Cripplegate.

The following was added to the inscription in 1 7 1 2 : —

M. S.
This is a very ancient family, and originally of Winthorp, in Lincolnshire, bearing

for their arms —
Argent three pilgrims' staves sable, ye heads and points or, and for their crest, being
placed above an helmet, a mans arms couped, ye sleeve azure, cuff argent, and hand
proper holding a palmer's staff, sable, garnishd or. He whose monument this is was
of Cotes, in Nottinghamshire, and had an honourable employment in ye Exchequer.
His wife was Anne, ye daughter of Roger Raven, Esqr- whose arms were argent, a
raven rising proper, by whome he had issue ye Children above mentioned, Edward lyes
here interred, as likewise does Matthew Palmer, Esqr- of ye Middle Temple, ye son of
that Edward. Andrew Palmer, Esqr- (a person of approved loyalty), of Hertford, was
buryd here too, who by Elizabeth, sister to Baldwin Harney, of London, M.D., left
one son, Ralf Palmer, Esq., of Little Chelsey, in ye County of Middsx- who by Alice
White (of ye family of that learned prelate Dr- Francis White, sometime Ld- E-p- of
Ely), had issue Ralph Palmer Esqr" of ye Middle Temple, who repaired this monument
of his ancestors, a.d. 1712, having at that time a son born, Ralph Palmer, by Cathrine
sole issue of Sir John Ernie, K> (sometime Chancellor of the Exchequer), by his
second lady, Elizabeth, relict of Chariles Ld- Seymour. His youngest son, Ralph
Talmer, Esqr- died a bachelor, and lyes interrd in a porch of his own erecting at
Broxbome Church, in the county of Hertford.

The entries in the Register are : —

Mathew Palmer, Gent. (Buried), 23rd May, 1605.
Mr. Thomas Palmer, Gentleman (Buried) 7th May, 1631.

EDWARD HARVIST,
14th March, 1610.

This handsome monument which from " tyme out of mind " had been
on the north wall at the east end, has, since the organ was fixed in
its present position, been entirely hidden. Recently, however, it has
been removed and placed in its present position over the north door.
Of marble, originally white, it has suffered with others by being
varnished, or painted and gilt.

It is a fine and spacious monument with finely carved figures of the
deceased and his wife kneeling at either side of a desk. The columns
and entablature are well designed and executed — the enrichments con-
sisting of cannon and other implements of warfare — in keeping with his
position as one of " His Majesty's Gunners." The whole is surmounted
with the Arms, presumably intended for those of the Brewers' Company,
but treated somewhat differently to the arms now in use by that
Company.

The Monuments.

The entry in the Register is : —

Edward Harvist, Brewer (Buried) 14th March, 1610-11.

The inscription is as follows : —

Here lyeth the body of

EDWARD HARVIST,

Citizen and Brewer of London, Alderman's Deputie, of this Parish, and

One of His Mats- Gunners,

And ANN, his beloved wyfe.

They were bothe very charitable persons as in giving land to

this parrishe perpetually for ye relefe of the poore widow ; as

also land to the companie whereof he was free for ye mending

OF YE HIGHWAY BETWEENE EDGWER & PADINGTON. He GAVE

CREATE LEGACIES TO HIS POORE KINDRED

AND DEPARTED THIS LYFE YE I4TH OF MARCH, l6lO. SHE DEPARTED THIS

LYFE YE 24TH OF May, 1610

Expecting bothe a glorious resurrection in Jesus Christ.

88 St. Giles, Cripplegate.

Edward Harvist left no legacy to the Parish, but his wife, who died
shortly after him, gave by her Will "' Four tenements in Mugwell
(Monkwell) Street yielding ^20 per annum rent, which she directed
to be distributed to twenty poor widows, at every quarter of a
year $s., during one whole year, and then twenty other widows the
next year, changing every year." This bequest is now of the value
of ^250 per annum, and is part of the Joint Estate Trusts.

ROBERT CAGE.
On the wall near the western end of the north aisle is an exceedingly
handsome marble monument adorned with entablature, pyramidal pillars,
death's head, &c, and on either side two well-designed cherubs. The
inscription in bold Roman gilt characters is as follows : —

Memoriae SacrD
II ic Iacet Robertus
Cage, armiger, omnium
i.iterarum homo, vita
integer morte christi-
anus nec dum mortuus
nam in memoria eter-
na erit justus.

Solus Christus mihi sola Salus.
Axo Dni 1625.

The entry in the Register is : —

Mr. Robert Cage, Gentleman (buried) 22nd November, 1624.

CONSTANCE WHITNEY,
Buried May 25TH, 1628.

This very curious monument on the wall in the north aisle has
given rise to much speculation as to its meaning. It represents a
woman in her grave clothes rising from her coffin, and with hands
outstretched receiving from a cherub on each side a crown and a chaplet.
It is no doubt intended to be emblematic of the Resurrection ; but
a legend has been handed down from one church custodian to another,
that " it represents a woman awakening from a trance, into which she
had fallen, and in which state she had been buried. The Sexton in his
desire to possess himself of a valuable ring she wore, cut her finger to
obtain it, and in doing so, awakened and saved her from a horrible
death." It is further stated that she returned home to her husband, and
became the mother of several children, but the fact that the inscription

The Monuments.

on the monument states, amongst other things, that she died at the early

age of 17, is surely inconsistent with such a tale.

There is no date given on the monument, but the Registers record
"Mrs. Constance Whitney, (Buried) May 25th, 1628." The title Mrs.
or Mistress was not restricted then, as now, to married ladies.

90 St. Giles, Cripplegate.

The inscription on the representation of a coffin runs as follows : —
To the Memorie
Of Constance Whitney, eldest daughter to Sr- Robert Whitney, of Whitney, the proper
possession of him and his ancestors, in Herefordshire for above 500 yeeres past. Her
mother was the fowrth daughter of Sir Thomas Lucy of Charlecote, in Warwickshire,
by Constance Kingsmel, daughter and heyre of Richard Kingsmel, surveiour of the
Court of Wardes, this lady Lucy her grandmother soe bred her, since shee was 8
years old, that shee excelled in all noble qualities becomminge a Virgin :
of so sweete proportion of beauty and harmonie of parts,
shee had all sweetnesse of manners answerable,
a delightfull sharpeness of witt,
an offensles modestie of conversation,
a singuler respect and pietie to her parents,
but religious even to example.
She departed this life most Christianly at seaventeene, dyeing the greife of all, but to
her grandmother an unrecoverable loss, save in her expectation shee" shall not stay
long after her, and the comfort of knowing whose shee is, and where in the resurrection
to meete her.

JOHN SPEED,
Died July 28th, 1629.

The monument to John Speed is placed on the wall near the western
end of the south aisle, and consists of a half-length bust in a cabinet with
the doors thrown open. Upon one of them is the inscription in Latin
relating to Speed, on the other a similar inscription to his wife —

Vije Memoria

Charissimorvm Parentvm

Iohannis Speed Civis Londinen-
-SIS mercatorvm scissorvm fra-

Svsann^; sv^ svavissim/e;
qu^e POSTQVAM dvodecim

-tris servi fidelissimi regiarvm ii.i.i filios et sex filias pepe-

magestatvm Eeiz.f:, Iacobl {sic) et rerat: annos qvinqvaginta

Caroli nvnc superstitis: septem ivnctis vtrivsqve

terrarvm nostrarvm Oeogra solatiis cvm illo vixerat:

-phi acurati et fidi antiqvita- liberos: gravi et freqventi

-tis britannic/e histriographi hortamine, ad dei cvltvm

geneologi/e sacr.e elegantis- sollicitaverat ; pietatis et

-SIMI DELINEATORIS ' QVI POSTQVAM
ANNOS 77 SUPERAVERAT, NON TAM
MORBO CONFECTVS QVAM MORTA-
LITATIS T^DIO LASSATVS CORPORE
SE LEVAVIT lULII 28. 1629. ET
IVCVNDISSIMO REDEMPTORIS SVI
DESIDERIO SVRSVM ELATVS.
CARNEM HIC IN CVSTODIAM
DEPOSVIT ; DENUO CVM ClIRISTVS
VENERIT RECEPTVRVS.

CHARITATIS OPERE QVOTIDIANO
PR/ELVXERAT, EMORI DEMVM
ERVDIIT SVO EXEMPLO; QVJE
SEPTVAGENARIA PLACIDE IN
CHRISTO OBDORMIVIT ET FIDE
SVM MERCEDEM HABVIT MARTII
VIGESSIMO OCTAVO AO. DONI
MILLESSIMO SEXCENTESSIMO
VIGESSIMO OCTAVO.

The inscription in effect states that he was a faithful servant of Queen
Elizabeth, King James I, and King Charles I, and died July 28th, 1629,
aged 77 ; and that his wife brought him twelve sons and six daughters,

The Monuments.

and after she had lived with her husband 57 years died between the 70th
and 80th year of her age, March 28th, 1628.

■

Speed was a member of the Merchant Taylors' Company, and by
the help of patrons devoted his life to historic research. His great
work, entitled " The History of Great Britaine under the Conquests of
ye Romans, Danes and Normans," was first published in 161 1. A second
edition appeared, with additions and a Dedication to K. James, in 1623 ;
and a third, in 1633. It is a most voluminous and carefully written
book, and must have cost the writer many years' continuous labour.
This magnificent work is enriched by hundreds of well-cut engravings of
the coins and medals of the different Kings.

The dedication of his History to King James is a specimen of (what
now appears to us) excessively fulsome writing, however fashionable and
necessary it may have been in Speed's day. It is as follows : —

To the most High and most Potent Monarch James of Great Britaine, France, and
Ireland, King ; the most constant and most learned defender of the Faith ; inlarger
and uniter of the British Empire ; restorer of the British name ; establisher of
prepetual peace in Church and Commonwealth ; president of all princely vertues and
noble arts ;

John Speed,

His Majestie's most lowly and most loyal subject and servant, consecrateth these his

labours, though unworthy the aspect of so high and

Imperiall Majestic

92 St. Giles, Cripplegate.

Entries concerning Speed in the Registers are as follows : —
Susan, wife of John Speed, Gen1- (buried) 31st March 1628.
Mr- John Speed Merchantalor (buried) 31st July 1629.
Joseph, the sonne of John Speede, Merchant Tailor (buried) Jan. 11, 1593.

MARGARET LUCY,
Died November, 1634.

There is a neat monument in the chancel to the above named lady,
who was great grand-daughter of Sir Thomas Lucy, of Charlecotte, in
Warwickshire, whom Shakespeare described as

"A Parliament man, a justice of peace,
At home a poor scarecrow, in London an ass. "

The inscription on the monument is as follows : — ■

Here lies Margarett Lucy, the second daughter of Sr- Thomas Lucy of Charlecott in
the county of Warwicke Knight, (the third by imediate discent of y' name of Thomas)
by Alice .sole daughter, and heire of Thomas Spencer of Clareden in the same county
Esqr- and Custos Brevium of the Courte of Common Pleas at Westminster, who departed
this life the 18th day of November 1634, and aboute the 19th year of her age ; for discretion
and sweetnesse of conversation, not many excelled, and for pietie and patience in her
sicknesse, and death few equalled her ; which is the comfort of her neearest friends, to
every of whom she was very deare, but especiallie to her old Grand mother, the LADY
CONSTANCE LUCY, under whose goverment she died, who having long exspected
every day to have gone before her, doth now trust by faith and hope in the precious
bloode of CHRIST JESUS, shortly to follow after and be partaker together with her
and others of the unspeakable and eternal joyes in his blessed Kingdome : to whom
be all honour, laud and praise, now and for ever. Amen.

Margaret Lucy and Constance Whitney were cousins, and seem to have
been brought up together by their grandmother. They both died young —
Margaret Lucy at the age of ia,and Constance Whitney at 17. (See page 88.)

The entry in the Register is : —

Margret daugr- of Sir Thomas Lucie, Knight (buried) 18th Novr- 1634.

WILLIAM STAPLE.
By the side of the above monument is one of white marble with neat
sculptured ornaments. The inscription in bold characters is as follows : —

PEzE memorise

Wit.lmi Staple,

in artibus magistri

viri admodum

docti & religiosi,

qui obiit 30 Sept.

1650.

Quod cum ccelicolis habitas pars altera nostri

non dolet ; hic tantum me superesse dolet.

Sara uxor ejus M/ESTissiMA posuit.

This is the monument referred to in "Smyth's Obituary." (Seepage. 100.)

The Monuments.

The Register runs: —

Willi: Staples, Skoolemaster in Grub Street 6th Septr- 1650.
" Smyth's Obituary" gives —

Mr. Staple, Schoolmaster in Grub Street died 4th Sep'-

EDMUND HARRISON,
Died 1666.

Near the middle of the north wall is a large marble tablet, heavily
ornamented, on which is the following lengthy inscription : —

Nere this piller lyeth interred ye body of Edmund Harrison, Esq., late of this
parish, who, having lived above 40 yeeres a batcheloar, had to wife Jane, ye eldest
daughter of Thomas Godfrey, late of Hodiford, in ye county of Kent, Esqr- by whom
he had issue 12 sonnes and 9 daughters, of wch at yc time of his death were only living
3 sonnes, Godfrey, Edmund, and Peter, and 2 daughters, Sarah and Jane. He was
embroiderer to 3 Kings, viz'-' K. James, K. Charles Ist- and K. Charles 2nd- left yc
troubles of this world ye 9th day of January, 1666, in ye J J yeare of his age, in a
Christian assurance of a resurrection unto life eternall, to who's memorie his eldest
sonn Godfrey erected this monument.

Suis et sibi constans Deo Regi et legi fidus obtemperator

Aetate Civis et prudentia vere venerandus.
Prole multce spei numerosa ut conjugio felix dives

Rem suis bene partam et Iiberam reliquit.
ratrire non minus indulgens quam Familia? Pater
Senio fessus et confectus tandem occubuit,
ut refectus resurgat.
Ex impensa Johis Harrison Ar. : fil : predict :
Godfridi def: decoratur 1704.

Concerning Harrison's appointment as Embroiderer, the following
(from the Public Record Office) may be interesting : —

A grant with survivorship was made on September 13, 1621, to John Shepley and
Edmund Harrison, on surrender of John Shepley of the office of Embroiderer to the
King.

After the Restoration, on 14th August, 1660, Harrison petitioned Charles II to
be admitted Embroiderer to His Majesty again, an office which he had held under
King James, representing that he has ,£4,000 clue to him for embroidery from the late
King ; that he is 70 years of age, and has 21 children. The Company of Embroiderers
certify as to his skill, that he is the ablest workman living, and as to his loyalty, that
he preserved the King's best Cloth of State, and his rich Carpet, Embroidered with
Pearl, from being cut in pieces or burnt, and that he restored these and many other
goods to His Majesty.

A Warrant follows on this to pay Edmund Harrison, the King's Embroiderer,
,£34 is. o</. yearly, for his livery, and another to pay him £"159 \zs. od. for Em-
broidering 250 Coats for the Yeomen of the Chamber, Yeoman Waiters of the Tower,
Yeomen of the Robes and Wardrobes, and 42 Messengers of the Chamber.

But notwithstanding his skill and loyalty and restoration to office, it would seem
that two other Embroiderers, by means possibly not unusual in that Court, had unduly
obtained a patent for his place. The Attorney and Solicitor-General report that

94 »SV. Giles, Cripplegate.

Harrison had duly obtained a judgment in Chancery against his opponents (execution
was being delayed on technical points), that the petitioner Harrison would best be
relieved by a letter to the Lord Chancellor, with order to see to the speedy execution
of judgment.

In November following there follows a grant, with Survivorship to William
Rutlish and Charles Pinckney (his opponents), on surrender of Edmund Harrison of
the office of Embroiderer. It had probably been made worth Harrison's while to
surrender.

Harrison's name frequently appears at Vestry meetings, and he signs
the Annual Audit of 1663 as one of the Auditors.

The Register runs as follows : —

Edmund Harrison, Embroiderer, apoplexy, Church, Jany. 15, 1666-7.

JOHN MILTON,
Died Sth November, 1674.

Of all the monuments in the church, that of John Milton, the poet,
is the most interesting. The fact that such a monument exists, and that
the poet's remains rest within the walls, has drawn thousands of admiring
pilgrims from all parts of the world to the church.

Milton's history is so well known, that it would be superfluous to do
more than refer to the leading events of his life, and point out his
residences in the parish, for which Professor Masson's full and complete
life, supplies material.

Born in Bread Street in 1608, he received his early education in
St. Paul's School, whence at the age of 16, he proceeded to Christ's
College, Cambridge. On taking his degree of M.A. in 1632, he left
his college and retired to his father's house in Buckinghamshire, where
he remained for about five years, and composed several of his minor
poems. Several years were spent in travel in Italy, whence he returned
to England just as the troubles between King and Parliament were
commencing. Into these, he threw all his energies, writing volumin-
ously, chiefly on religious subjects, and in defence of liberty, both of
Thinking and Printing. He resided in Aldersgate Street from 1641 to
1645. "One," says Professor Masson, "would like to determine on which
side of the street his residence was ; the old maps give the impression
that there was most room for ' garden houses ' on the right side, and
particularly near Golden Lion Court." The matter is uncertain. The
house there became too small for his purposes, and he removed in
September, 1645, to Barbican, near to which (where Bridgewater Square

The Monuments. 95

now is) that Earl of Bridgewater had his town house to whom — when
President of Wales, and residing in Ludlow Castle — Milton presented
one of his works, Comus, a Mask.

The house in Barbican was pointed out as " Milton's House," down
to the making of the Metropolitan Railway in 1865. To this house
his young wife was brought home ; there his first child, Anne, was
born on 29th July, 1646, and from the same house his father-in-law,
Richard Powell, and his father, John Milton, were buried in St. Giles'
Church, on 1st January and 15th March, 1646-7, respectively, as the
burial registers show : —

Richard Powell, gentleman, 1st January, 1646-7.
John Milton, gentleman, 15th March, 1646-7.

While residing here, " Poems by Mr. John Milton, both English and
Latin," were published by Mosely, in 1645. In September, 1647, he
moved to High Holborn, to one of those houses that open backwards
on Lincoln's Inn Fields. Now came his call to official work in his
country's service, and in assisting her to attain the greatness she enjoyed
under Cromwell's rule, using his pen so well, that it has been described
"as terrible as Cromwell's sword." In 1649, he removed to Charing Cross,
and next year to an official residence in Whitehall. In December, 1651,
he is residing at Petty France, Westminster, where he remained till the
Restoration of 1660. But he, whose pen had been "so terrible," must
have known he was now a marked man. He left Petty France in
1660, and remained in hiding for three months and three weeks in Bar-
tholomew Close. On the passing of the Amnesty Act, in 1660, he
resided for a few months at Holborn, and in the same year came back
to Cripplegate — to Jewin Street. Here he remained until 1664, when he
removed to Artillery Row, Bunhill Fields, opposite the Artillery garden wall.
A walk ran along the west side of this wall ; on the other side of the walk
were twelve houses of varying sizes, and in the ninth of these Milton
resided, but whether ninth from Chiswell Street end, or the other, is not
known. During the plague of 1665, he removed for a time to Chalfont
St. Giles. In 1667, while in Artillery Row, "Paradise Lost" was
published ; " Paradise Regained," and " Samson Agonistes " followed in
167 1. Here also he died on 8th November, 1674, and was buried next
his father in the chancel of St. Giles' Church.

The following is the entry of the burial in the Registers : —
John Milton, gentleman, Consumption, chancel, 12 (November).

Sf. Giles, Cripplegate.

The memorial shrine of Milton is placed in the south aisle, directly
facing the north door of the church. Beneath its canopy, is a bust giving
a striking likeness of the poet, the work of John Bacon, a noted sculptor,

who executed about the same time (1793) the monuments of William
Pitt, Earl of Chatham, in Westminster Abbey, and in the Guildhall,
City of London. The bust was the gift of Samuel Whitbread, Esq.,
head of the great brewing firm in Cripplegate, and a respected member

The Monuments. 97

of Parliament. It was originally placed on one of the columns on
the north side, near to the tablet on the floor of the centre aisle, close to
which Milton's remains lie. Before the alterations to the church in 1791,
the chancel extended to this column.

As will be seen from engraving on preceding page, the bust of Milton
is enclosed in a canopied shrine of Caen stone, elaborately carved and
supported by columns, composed of different coloured marbles, granite
and alabaster. The whole is 12 feet in height, and nearly 8 feet wide
at the base. This was designed by the late Mr. Edmund Woodthorpe,
and carried out in 1862 under his superintendence. A tablet on the
base has the following inscription : —

JOHN MILTON,

Author of Paradise Lost.

Born December, 1608. Died November. 1674.

His Father JOHN MILTON, Died March, 1646.

They were both interred in this Church.

Below are capitally designed and executed symbols of the fall and
expulsion from Paradise, represented by the serpent with the fatal
apple in its mouth and by the naming sword.

RICHARD SMITH.

This monument is now on the south wall, to which it has recently
been removed from the north-east corner behind the Organ. Originally it
was on the second pillar from the east end, on the north side of the
middle aisle. The inscription is as follows : —

Mr. RICHARD SMITH,
Deceased the 26th March, 1675, aged 85.

Nere this place lyeth intered Mrs- Elizabeth Smith the wife of Mr- Richard Smith ;
sometymes Secondary of the Poultry Comptor by whom shee had 5 sons and 3
daughters wherof 2 only survived her. Her life was pious and religious towards God,
blameless towards men, exceedingly pitifull and charitable to ye poor and distressed.
Prudent and provident in the ordering her family having a great care and tender
affection to her husband and to the instruction of her children and children's children
in the Feare of the Lord, shee dyed the 25th of May 1664 aged 64 years.

Here also lyes buried two of her sonnes John Smith the eldest, beloved of all
men for his affable Deportment, admired for his more than ordinary guifts of Nature,
He dyed (to ye great grief of his parents and friends) the 6th of May 1655 aged 32 yeares.
And Richard the younger died in the 17th year of his age the 10th of August 1653.
In commemoration of whom their tender and loving mother willed this monument to
bee erected wch after her death was (by her appointment) at her owne private cost (by
her friends) performed.

SL Giles, Cripplegate.

The entries in the Registers are as follows : —

Rich: sonne of Rich: Smith Gent. 12th Aug. 1653.

John Smith, Gent — Consumption 9"1 May 1655.

Elizabeth wife of Richard Smith, Gentleman, Jaundice, Church, 28th May 1664.

Richard Smith Gentleman, Aged, Church, Ist April 1675.

The monument, like most of the others in the Church, is of white
marble, varnished over (the tablet on which the inscription is cut is of
slate), and contains the figures of man and wife in the attitude of
prayer. Some writers say "kneeling on each side of a desk, on which is
a skull"; this desk and skull are not now to be found, neither are
the recumbent figures of the two sons, which they also mention.

The Monuments. 99

The Arms of the deceased surmount the whole, which, heraldically
described, are per chev. ar. and sa., three anvils counter changed. The
crest is an ostrich issuing out of a mural coronet, but no crest appears on
the monument.

Mr. Smith, or Smyth (see fac-simile of signature to his will) was a great
antiquary and scholar. He was assiduous in searching for old books,
the margins of which he covered with remarks. He was great as a
compiler, several of his autographs being preserved in that portion of the
Bagford Collection included in the Sloane MSS. at the British Museum.
He wrote Essays on religious subjects, and one upon the origin of
Printing. Only one, upon "The Descent into Hell," has been printed.
For his biography, see "Wood's Athenas Oxonienses." His library,
which was very choice and extensive, in spite of efforts to preserve
it intact, was publicly sold after his death. After 1649 he lived in
Little Moorfields. From the year 1627 until his death he entered in a
Diary the names of persons of his acquaintance who died — many of
whom were inhabitants of Cripplegate. This curious and valuable
work has been published by the Camden Society, and is known as
"Smyth's Obituary."

The following are a few curious entries extracted from it, chiefly
relating to St. Giles, Cripplegate, and may be found interesting (other
extracts are given when speaking of the Plague, page 22) : —

EXTRACTS FROM SMYTH'S OBITUARY.

Jan. 30, 1649. — King Charles beheaded at Westminster by his traiterous subjects.
Mar. 22, 1649-50. — Mr- Torshell preacher at Criplegate died ; was son of Mrs' Torshell

midwife.
Mar., 1653. — M1'- John de Gret brewer in Red Cross Street died sodenly in his bed at

night having been at chur. yl day.
July 27, 1653. — Cap1' Jones our neighbor in Morefields.
Mar. 21, 1657. — Mr' Carter preacher at Sl- Giles Criplegate.
May 13, 1659. — Dean Fuller, Vicar of Cripplegate Parish, died.

Mar. 19, 1662. — Mis- Franklyn in Ropemakers alley — a woman very free of her tongue.
Sept. 15, 1662. — Stephen Fawcett, Surgeon in Wood Street, wth a good name of an

honest and pious man, who in his time sett up a lecture in S'-Giles Parish w"'out

Criplegate, for every week in Lent, a sermon for ever.
Nov. 20, 1662. — Old Proudlove, bellman of Criplegate, buried.
May 25, 1664.— My dear wife (hei mihi) Mis- Elizabeth Smith died this dismal! night

buried y° 28th May.
July 30, 1664.— Mr- Chantrell, needle maker agst Sf- Giles Church, buried.
Sept. 1, 1664.— Mr' Brigs in Redcross Street (my pew fellow) died in ye country.

H 2

ioo St. Giles, Cripplegatc.

Oct. 3, 1664. — Mr- Throgmorton Trotman merchant in Little Morefields uncle to

Secondary Trotman.
Dec. 7, 1664. — Mrs- Ward vviddow once wife of Mr- Staples, buried in Sf- Giles

Cripplgate ; where is her husband Staples Monument.
Dec. 9, 1664. — Mr- James Denew our neighbour in Morefields died, buried in S1' Giles

Criplegate Dec 14th wth rings.
June 20, 1667. — Sir George Smith (a London merchant) a chief officer of y° blew

regiment died this evening in Cripplegate parish and there buried wthout a sermon

July 4th'
Aug. 7, 1668. — Jonas Froest, late preacher at yc Dutch Church.
Nov. 4, 1668. — Mr' James Vancourt a weaver of silke stuffs in Grub Street — a very rich

man and of good report.
Dec. 23, 1668. — Mr- Staveley son in law to Justice Smith of Criplegate.
June 4, 1669. — Mr' Robert Hurst our brewer at ye Hart wthout Criplegate died this

night buried from Loriners Hall June 7th (Sans sermon).
Tune 18, 1669. — Mr- Edlyn, Brewer in Golding Lane buried in Criplegate church.

Dr- Prichard preached his funerall sermon.
June 4, 1670. — Mr- Drew, Blacksmyth buried wthout ticketts.
June 7, 1670. — Mr- John Robinson buried from Armourers Hall in Criplegate Church

wth ticketts.
Sept. 19, 1673. — Mr' Dell, of Criplegate Parish was buried yc 24th wth no good fame.
April 25, 1673. — Old Mr- Bilbon, bricklayer of S1' Giles Criplegate, bountifull to the

poor in his life time.
Nov. 21, 1674. — Died Thomas Quartermain parish clerk of Sf- Giles, Cripplegate,

buried the 23rd to whose buriall I was invited.
*Nov. 15, 1674. — John Milton died at Bunhill near Morefields in Criplegate parish,

blind some time before he died.

Augustin Newbold,t on nth April, 1675, closes the MS. thus, and

signs his name : —

Mar. 26, 1675. — Friday old Mr- Richard Smith my honoured friend aged 85 years dyed
and was buried in Cripplegate Church on ye Ist of April following, he was
ye collector of the aforesaid Catalogue and of many excellent Books, he was
a just man and of good report and worthy of imitation.

Between the years 1675 and 1783 there were but few monuments
erected, and the few there were are mostly uninteresting. A plain slab

* Smyth is in error as to Milton's death — he died on the 8th November, and was buried, as the

Registers show, on the 12th of the same month.

t Augustin Newbold was Deputy of Cripplegate, 1679, and one of the Committee for inquiring into

the title of the " four shoppes" and for the rebuilding of the Vicarage house in 1681.

The Monuments. 101

on the north wall to a Vicar, "WILLIAM WHITFIELD," who died in
1 7 1 6, has an inscription as follows : —

I look for the resurrection of the dead,

And the life of the world to come.

Adjoining is a similar one to his wife : —

Catherine Whitfield was eminent for Virtue, Piety, Conjugal Affection.
In all things worthy such an husband.

MARY PERRY.

At the west end of the north aisle is a neatly sculptured marble

monument, surmounted with a coat of arms. The inscription is as

follows: — T ,, .,,.m, n ,

In Memory of MARY , Daughter of

Robert Crompton, of Elvestoe in the
County of Bedford, Esqr" the Pious,
Charitable, Chaste & Most beloved Wife
of Cap1- John Pery of this Parish, she
was borne 20th of Novembr- 1651,
Died 25th of Febe- 1676. She had two
Daughters, Margerett & Mary,
both heere buried in theire infancy
whose death (Shee too much lamen-
ting) hastned her owne.

Here to the Word of God She did attend
Hence at the call of God Shee shall ascend
Parents take Heede whilst you y1' children lovc
Yow doe not him forgett who is above
Whose are yeir Children : Remember thy
Sweete Flowers in ye Bosomes, Fade away.

The entry in Register is as follows : —

Margarett, D. of John Perry, Brewer, buried 23rd November, 1674.
Mary, D. of Capt. John Perry, Brewer, buried 15th August, 1675.
Mary, Wife of Capt. John Perry, Brewer, buried 28th February, 1676-7.

There is also a tablet at the east end of the south aisle to the memory
of a Vestry Clerk, that deserves, for its terse inscription, insertion here : —

THOMAS STAGG,

Attorney at Law,

Vestry Clerk of this Parish,

From the 8th day of March 1731,

To the 19th day of February 1772,

On which day he died.

THAT IS ALL.

For the long period of 41 years he was Clerk and served under but
one Vicar (William Nicholls, 1728-74). It was during his tenure of
office that the Parish was divided — in which work he no doubt assisted.

Close to the monument just described is one to

ANN MARTHA, wife of George Watson Hand, M.A., Vicar.

This beautiful monument is the work of Thomas Banks, who also
executed, among many other noted works, " The Mourning Achilles,"
now in the British Institution ; the monument to Sir Eyre Coote, in
Westminster Abbey ; and others in St. Paul's Cathedral. The subject
of Mrs. Hand's monument is the wife dying in the arms of her husband,
whose intense grief is depicted on his countenance.

Both figures are exquisitely portrayed. On the lower part of the monu-
ment, in bas-relief, is the figure of a boy as "Death" holding in one hand
the flower of the lily cut off, and in the other a hook, with the legend : —
" She cometh up and is cut down like a flower."

The inscription is as below : —

To the memory of

ANN MARTHA,

Wife of George Watson Hand, M.A. , Vicar,

Who died after a few hours' illness,

July 5th. 17S4. Aged 28.

Also of

GEORGE WATSON HAND,

Late Vicar of this Parish,

Archdeacon of Dorset, Prebendary of

S'- Paul's and Sarum,

Died February 3rd, 1802, in ins 53rd year.

On the pavement of the south aisle is this well-meant effusion : —

Elizabeth Bucklee, 1790. — Prepare for this change. Thou canst not tell when
thy looking eye will shut for ever. From here 'tis plain youth hath no surety.
Think on this event. What thou dost lay up for it will be a precious treasure to
thee, when the soul with all its keenest faculties must travel. Whither? Hast thou
not thought ? If not — let not a moment pass thee. At that time thou wilt know a
moment's value.

There is a monument on the south wall to William Ayscough, for
many years Parish Clerk, who died 24th May, 1S00.

On the south wall of the Chancel is a handsome Monument, erected
by Joseph Pahud de Vallangin, a Swiss, to the memory of his wife and
two children. It contains a bas relief of a seated figure sorrowing for
the loss of the deceased. He was a physician in extensive practice in
Fore Street, most eccentric but generous and philanthropic : he died in
1805, from the effects of a fall from his carriage.

Sir WILLIAM STAINES,
Died ii September, 1S07.

The monument to Sir William Staines is at the west end of the
north wall, and is an elaborate and well executed piece of sculpture
in modern style. It may briefly be described as comprising a bust of
the worthy Alderman dressed in his robes, and wearing his Chain and
Badge of Office as Lord Mayor ; above the bust are his Arms, and
underneath the bust is the City Shield, Sword, and Mace, all delicately
worked out.

Sir William Staines was Alderman of Cripplegate from 1793 until
his death in 1807, serving the office of Sheriff, 1 791, and of Lord
Mayor in 1801. Of humble birth and never disowning his lowly
origin, by his industry and integrity he amassed considerable wealth,
and not unmindful of those who had failed in the race of life,
he built and supported during his life four Almshouses for such
poor men and women as should have been housekeepers and
parishioners of Cripplegate. By his will he made a further endow-
ment. Several other legacies for the same purpose have also
been received by the Trustees (the Common Councilmen of the

io4

St. Giles, Cripplegate.

Ward and the two Churchwardens of the Parish). The whole
annual income is about ,£440. Seven almspeople are maintained
in the Almshouses, and 10 pensioners receive ,£20 per annum

m&**

each. The Cripplegate Vestry showed their gratitude for some of his
earlier services thus : —

Mar. 20, 1792.— Ordered, "That a very handsome silver Tobacco box and stopper
be made and presented to Mr. Deputy William Staines with a suitable inscription as a
reward for his services done to the Parish and that the two Churchwardens and
Mr. Clarke and Mr. Browning be a Committee for seeing the same done in a proper

manner."

The Monuments. 105

Many curious stories are told of him, amongst others some con-
cerning his penchant for his pipe. He seldom rode out without a
well-charged pipe, and, when he alighted, it was handed to his coach-
man to keep it going until his master's return. Staines was fond
of relating over his pipe and glass the following anecdote : — " When
he was at work as a bricklayer, at a parsonage house at Uxbridge,
the parson's wife told him, to his astonishment, she had a dream that
he would be Lord Mayor of London. The same dream again occurred
to the lady, and was again told him." He finished his work at
the house and left, probably thinking no more about the matter, but
this incident may possibly have been an incentive to him to attempt
to rise in life. The Parson lived to be Staines' Chaplain when Lord
Mayor.

Another tale is related of him : — " An old lady foretold Mr. Staines'
fortune. She said that he would be Lord Mayor during a period of
turbulence and scarcity ; that we should be at war with France ; but that
during his Mayoralty peace and plenty would be restored." This turned
out true, as peace was temporarily restored during his tenure of office,
and bread sold much cheaper than it had been, and as a consequence
cheaper food for all.

JOHN STAINES.
The white marble monument to John Staines is placed next to that of
his Father, at the west end of the north aisle. The upper portion has a
Bible and Cross, neatly sculptured, and over them a Celestial Crown
The Arms of the deceased are at the base.

The inscription supplies food for serious reflection to beholders : —

To the memory of

JOHN STAINES,

Son of the late Sir William Staines,

Died 16th April, 1823.

Aged 26 years.

Stop for a moment, youthful passers by,

On this memento cast a serious eye ;

Tho' now the rose of health may flush your cheek,

And youthful vigour may long life bespeak ;

Yet think how soon like me you may become,

In Youth's fair prime, the tenant of a tomb.

io6

St. Giles, Cripp legate.

Rev. JOHN WEYBRIDGE.

This tastefully-executed monument is close to the north door, and
as will be seen by accompanying illustration, is emblematic of Faith,
Hope and Charity.

The inscription is : — ■

To the memory of

The Rev. JOHN WEYBRIDGE,

Died March 23rd, 1835.

Aged 39 years.

And his wife. MARIA, daughter of

Sir William Staines,

She Died November 30th, 1842.

Aged 48 years.

The Monuments. 107

PETER EARNSHAW, Esq.,

Died 20th January, 1841. Aged 73 years.

He was 47 years Ward and Vestry Clerk of this Parish,

And 37 years Treasurer of the Boys' School.

The above monument is on the west end of north wall.

Rev. FREDK. WM. BLOMBERG, D.D.
A tablet, recording the generosity of this divine, has been mentioned
when speaking of the Vicars, page 71.

On the north side of the chancel is a tablet to his memory, which
reads as follows : —

Rev. FREDK. WM. BLOMBERG, D.D.,

Chaplain in Ordinary to Her Majesty,

Canon Residentiary of St. Paul's Cathedral,

And Vicar of this Parish.

Died 23rd March, 1S47, in the 86th year of his Age.

A painting in oil of this Vicar hangs in the Vestry Room, in the
Quest House.

Amongst recent additions to the monuments, there is one on the

south wall to

Mr. WILLIAM BASSINGHAM,
Died October 15th, 1850,
Aged 5S years.

He was for many years a respected inhabitant of the parish ; his tomb
is one of three that still stand in the Churchyard.

In the tower is a brass plate, engraved as follows : —

The twin Brothers

CHARLES and JOHN ELLIS,

Who for nearly 40 years, filled with singular attention and fidelity,

The office of Joint Secretaries to the

Cripplegate Savings Bank,

And died,

Charles, May 16th, 1S65,

John, October Sth, 1871.

Respected and beloved by all that knew them.

On the north wall is a neat tablet to another respected Vestry Clerk,

ALEXANDER JOHN BAYLIS,

39 years Clerk of this Ward and Parish,

Who Died 16th May, 1882.

Aged 69 years.

io8 -SV. Giles, Cripplegate.

At the east end of the north wall is a monument to one who was an
energetic and respected inhabitant of the Parish.

GEORGE MATTHEW FELTON,

Elected a Member of the Common Council. 1876.

Chairman of the City of London School Committee, 1879.

Chief Commissioner of the Court of Sewers, 1882.

Churchwarden of this Parish, 1878-79.

Died November 4th, 1883.

The last monument that need be mentioned here is one to the late
Vicar. It is placed at the east end of the south wall, and attracts notice
by its beautiful simplicity.

The substance of the inscription is as follows : —

The Rev. PHILIP PARKER GILBERT, M.A.,

Was Born December 5th, 1S11, and Died July 12th, 1886.

Ordained in 1835, an^ af"tcr various preferments was instituted to the

Vicarage of St. Giles, Cripplegate, in 1857.

An eminent Preacher, and a clear and intelligent man of business.
"He rests from his labours, and his works do follow him."

TROPHY OF ARMS.

THE Trophy of Arms shown below is placed over the Alderman's
chair, in the Corporation Pew. This pew, on the north side of the
nave, has been constructed to seat the eight members of the Common
Council for the Ward, half of them in that most irreverent of positions,
with their backs to those conducting the service.

The City Shield occupies the uppermost position. It may not be
out of place to call attention to the origin of the "sword" in the

Arms. It has been generally understood,
that in commemoration of the slaying
of Wat Tyler with a dagger, by Mayor
Walworth, the addition of a dagger was
made to the red cross, but this is an
error, as according to the compiler of the
"History of the Guildhall" (published
by order, and at the expense of the
Corporation in 1886), there seems no
doubt whatever that it is the sivord of
St. Paul, the patron saint of the City,
that is there represented, and not a
dagger, for he says that in April, 1386,
the Mayor brought in a new seal, upon
which a " perfectly graven shield " ap-
peared, and on it the sword clearly
shewn ; as Wat Tyler was not killed
until June 15th in the same year,
it is clear that a " dagger " was not
added to commemorate Walworth's
achievement.

The Arms immediately below the
City Shield are those of the present
Alderman of the Ward, Sir Henry E. Knight, Lord Mayor, 1882.

no St. Giles y Cripplegate.

On the left-hand, below, are those of Sir William Staines, Lord
Mayor, 1801, a short memoir of whom will be found under
the head of Monuments. On the right-hand are those of Sir Matthew
Wood, Bart., a man of whom Cripplegate may well be proud. The
following notes of his life are mainly culled from the " Gentleman's
Magazine" of November, 1843, in a notice of his death in the pre-
ceding September: — "Born at Tiverton in 1768, after receiving his educa-
tion in the famous Blundell's Free Grammar School there, he was
apprenticed to a druggist. At the age of twenty-two he came
to London, and in 1S01 established himself in business, in Falcon
Square. In 1802 he was placed at the head of the poll as one
of the four Common Councilmen for the Ward of Cripplegate
Without."

In 1807, whilst absent on a pleasure tour in Ireland, he was elected
Alderman of the Ward, on the death of Alderman Staines. The
Mayor of Limerick first announced to him the honour that had
been thus spontaneously conferred. In 1809 he served the office
of Sheriff of London and Middlesex. In 181 5 he succeeded, in
due course, to the Mayoralty, in which he distinguished himself
by his unrivalled energy and ability as a Magistrate. The critical
state of the country in 18 16, the great scarcity and consequent
dulness and dissatisfaction rendered it important that a firm man
should be chosen as Chief Magistrate of the City, and for the first
time for several hundred years, the Civic chair was filled during two
consecutive terms of office by the same individual.

During his second Mayoralty, in 181 7, he was returned to Parlia-
ment, without any opposition, as representative of the City of London,
and at a contested election in 1818, was returned at the head of
the poll. Upon the decease of George III, in the year 1820, Alder-
man Wood was applied to by Queen Caroline (then abroad) for
advice. Being fully persuaded of her innocence, with that straight-
forward decision, and hatred of oppression which distinguished him
through life, he at once exhorted her to face her accusers by
returning to England ; and with consistent firmness, regardless
of the attacks of a portion of the press, he stood by her cause to
the end.

Theodore Hook wrote a bitter satire on Alderman Wood's espousal
of the Queen's cause, entitled "An Essay towards the History of
Whittington," but satire though it be, the following verses that occur
in it were undoubtedly true : —

" Serche England round, naye all the erthe,
Itte mychtelie would trouble you,
To find a manne so ryche in worthe,
As honeste Matthew W.
He's notte the manne to doe you wronge,
Nor wythe false speeches trouble you,
Whyle beef grows fatte, and beer grows strong,
Long lyfe to Matthew W."

On the occasion of Her Majesty's honouring the Corporation by her
presence at dinner at the Guildhall in 1837, Alderman Wood was
informed by Lord John Russell, of Her Majesty's intention to confer
on him the dignity of a Baronet. He had acted as trustee in the
management of the affairs of Her Majesty's father, the Duke of Kent,
and had suggested and promoted the return of the Duke and Duchess
to England, shortly before Her Majesty's birth. He sat in nine con-
secutive Parliaments, extending over a period of 25 years. In his
political opinions he was a Radical Reformer during his whole career,
his votes were given in favour of Free Trade, Reform of Parliament,
Vote by Ballot, Emancipation of the Roman Catholics, and other
Liberal measures of Reform.

As a Magistrate he was firm and upright, yet kind and indulgent to
the poor and distressed. As a Citizen he was mainly distinguished
by his activity in promoting good government, the removal of abuses,
and local improvement. In his mercantile character he was highly
esteemed as a man of the utmost strictness and honour in all his
transactions.

" The moral of his public and private career is brief and impressive ;
be honest and consistent, so may you be enabled to benefit your fellow
men, and to obtain the goodwill of the upright." He left three sons —
John Page Wood, who succeeded him in the Baronetcy ; William Page
Wood, afterwards Lord High Chancellor of England, and known as
Lord Hatherley, a title taken from an estate in Gloucestershire,
left to Sir Matthew Wood by a namesake, "Jemmy" Wood, the

112 Sf. Giles, Cripplegate.

Banker, it is said, through the instrumentality of a lady relative,
in gratitude to Sir Matthew Wood for his conduct in defending
Queen Caroline.

The third son was Western Wood, for some time a Member of
Parliament for the City of London.

The eldest son, the Rev. Sir John Page Wood, died in 1866. He
had three sons, the youngest of whom is Sir Henry Evelyn Wood,
K.C.B., V.C., whose distinguished services are well known. According
to "Debrett," he entered the Royal Navy in 1852, and served with
the Naval Brigade in the Crimea, where he was wounded ; he entered
the Army in 1855, and saw much service in the Indian Mutiny and in
the Ashanti War. His Victoria Cross was gained for conspicuous
bravery in India.

The Arms at the bottom of the Trophy are those of Thomas Challis,
Lord Mayor, 1852, who entered upon his office when the body of the
great Duke of Wellington was lying in state, awaiting burial. The usual
pomp and pageantry of the procession to Westminster was dispensed with,
the City and nation being too sincerely sorrowful for the loss of the
greatest man of the age, to hold any kind of festivity. The usual
banquet in the evening was also abandoned. Challis died in 1874.

STAFFS.

The curiously worked staffs of office are worthy of attention.

No. i.

No. 2.

No. 3.

No. 1 has the following inscription engraved around it :-

The Guift of

Sr Benjamin Maddox, Baronet,

To the Parish of Sl- Gyles Cripplegate,

London, to be Used by ye Stewards

Of ye Natives of the said Parrish.

There is also an inscription stating that it was "reguilt" in 1828, and
again in 1882. It was probably presented in 17 10.

ii4 St. Giles, Cripplegate.

Maddox's armorial bearings are engraved on the reverse side to the
inscription.

This staff is carried before the Officers of the Church by the Beadle
on Perambulation days and other ceremonial occasions.

No. 2 is of simple design, and has the following inscription engraved
upon it : —

The Gift of Mr. William Hart, Brewer,

To the Grand Inquest of Cripplegate

Without, A.D. 1675, when he

Was their Porter.
New Made, December, 1741.

No. 3 is the staff that was used at the Workhouse on official occasions.
The Churchwardens' names and the date 1792 are engraved round the
upper portion of the head, and the words " Cripplegate Workhouse " on
the lower part.

The Beadle's badge of office may be mentioned here. It is of massive
silver, elaborately embossed and chased — the central design being the
Cripple-gate and the proverbial beggar. It was made in the year 1720,
and possesses real artistic merit.

THE ORGAN AND ORGANISTS.

IT is very uncertain whether an Organ was in use in the Church prior to
1672, but this date is the earliest of which any record of the fact
is found. At and after this time we find many entries in the Vestry
Minute Books concerning the Organ and the Organists. The first runs
as follows : — " That Mrs- Chamock shall have thanks given her for her
affection in bestowing a fair Organ on the Parish Church of St- Giles
Without Cripplegate, London. That a convenient place be found for
the setting of it up, and that the Vicar and Vestry find out some way
and meanes for the maintenance of the Organist." The latter part of
this Minute seems to point to the fact that there was then no Organ in
the Church — the probability being that the Puritans, in their zeal for
simplicity, had removed all instruments of music from it.

This Organ was set up in a Gallery. [One cannot help wondering
whether this was one of the Holy Organs " rolling waves of sound on
roof and floor," that Milton loved to hear.]

6 Aug., 1673. — That the Churchwardens doe take care forthwith that the flore of
the gallery whereon the Organ standeth be well and sufficiently amended, and that
there be pallasados set up, and the charge thereof be allowed to them in their accounts.

At this time the Sexton had to select and pay the Organist; an
arrangement which seems to have given the Vestry endless trouble — as
the following entries will show : —

Feb. 28, 1672-3. — That the Sexton be chosen into his place, and he either to officiate
and play upon the organ himself or provide at his own cost one able sufficient organist
to play upon it, Sundayes, Holy dayes, Wensdayes, Fridayes and Lecture Dayes, and
his Sextons place to be voyd if he shall faile in any part of his duty.

Another entry on same date : —

That James Brookes is chosen Sexton and Organist by the Kings Majesties Letter.

But what the King had to do with the matter we are not told.

26 Mar. 1673. — That James Brookes which is lately chosen Sexton of this Parish,
doe and shall allow unto Widow Pritchett [the widow of the former sexton into
whose place Brookes was elected] the sum of ^10 per annum from this Easter next
ensuing so long as they both shall live.

I 2

1 1 6 .57. Giles, Cripp legate.

Mr. Brookes did not enjoy his post long, as the next entry shows : —
25 Oct., 1673. — That Mr- Brooke lately sexton of this parish shall be satisfied for
the charges he has been at.

A complicated arrangement is now entered into consequent upon the
jealousy that long existed, and has existed almost down to our own times,
between the Lordship and the Freedom parts of the Parish.

Under same date as above : —

That Thomas Foote and William Goode are chosen Sextons ol this Parish, and the
one to receive and have the whole benefit and privilege of the whole place or office of
Sexton the lione week," and the other to receive, &c, &c, the other week next
following, and so to continue.

That Thomas Foote and William Goode as they are chosen Sextons of this Parish, they
are to allow and pay the sum of ^20 per annum to the Organist by ^5 per quarter.

21 May, 1674. — The senior Churchwarden of the Freedom pay to Wm' Goode, one
of the Sextons of this Parish the sum of ^10 in lieu of the ^20 which W. G. paid to
T. Brookes, former Sexton, on his leaving his post, and whatsoever moneys due or owing
either from Thomas Foote or William Goode to Mr- Forser for playing on the Organ,
they, the said Sextons, shall pay forthwith and continue their quarterly payments of ^5.

3 Nov. 1674. — That the Churchwardens do forthwith pay to W. Goode the sum of ^10
aforesaid, and that W. G. shall within one month from receipt thereof pay his proportion
to Mr. Forser, Organist, on pain of being turned out, and the same as regards T. Foote.

3 Feb., 1674-5. — That the Churchwardens do forthwith pay to Mr- Forser for playing
on the Organ the sum of ^10, there being ^20 due to him from Thomas Foote and
William Goode at Ladyday next ensuing, but by reason it is so much in arrears, and
the said Sextons very poor and not able to pay, the "Gentlemen of the Vestry" do
order the Churchwardens to pay the said sum of ^10. That for the present John
Pine, who is now chosen Clerk, shall pay to the Organist the sum of £10 by the year,
he having promised so to do till one of the Sextons depart this life, or part from his
office, and no longer ; provided that this be no precedent, nor imposed on the Clerke's
office for the future. Either Sexton dying the office to rest with the other till his
death, if Freedom survives the Lordship elects next — if Lordship survives the Freedom
elects next.

No further entries of consequence are found for the next few years,
both Organist and Sextons dying — their differences having probably been
adjusted to the satisfaction of the " Gentlemen of the Vestry."

The following entry, which seems to imply that the Vestry had taken
to pay the Organist themselves, but the amount is too small — probably
it was a subsidy to the Sexton's payment.

20 Feb., 1676-7. — Do pay Mr- Curtis, the Organist, the sum of ^3 at Lady day next
ensuing, to be continued per annum till further order.

Sextons' lives were evidently short, and possibly not merry in Cripple-
gate, for the twin Sextons were dead, and also one who succeeded them ;
for on —

1 July, 1681. — Thomas Ayres, elected in place of S. Evans, Sexton, is taken bound
to pay Mr- John Curtis for playing on the Organ £16 per annum.

The Organ and Organists. 1 1 7

Ayres dies soon, and we find his wife retained in his place. She is
ordered on —

22 April, 1685. — To pay out of her place and office of Sexton the sum of £\b per
annum to Mr- John Curtis.

The Organ seems to have been repaired in 1688.

30 April, 1688. — Whereas Mr- Smith [is this Father Schmidt, the famous organ
builder, and rival of Renatus Harris?] the organ maker, demands £,\2 for mending,
repairing, and cleaning the Organ. The Churchwardens ordered to pay Mr- S. and to
get as much abatement as conveniently they can " for the good of the Parish."

It may be noted that Mr. John Curtis held his office as Organist from
1677 until his death in 1703, for on —

25 Feb., 1703-4. — It was resolved that Mr- Henry Greene (a blind man) be chosen
Organist in the stead of Curtis, deceased, at and under the same yearly salary as was
payable to the said Mr. Curtis.

In the year 1704 many alterations and additions were made in the

Church, which are mentioned elsewhere. Amongst these, a large gallery

at the west end of the Church was erected, on which was placed a new

Organ. The Minutes of the Vestry respecting this run as follows : — ■

19 July, 1704. — The old Organ be taken out of the Church and a newe Organ
provided and putt in the roome thereof.

26 July, 1704. — That if the surplusage of what will new pew and repair the Church,
and what may be collected towards a new Organ by subscription, will buy a new
Organ, then let a new Organ be provided and placed in the Church, and that the
order made at last Vestry about the Organ be vacated.

23 Aug., 1704. — That the old Organ be taken down and removed out of the Church
and a new Organ placed in the stead thereof.

27 Sept., 1704. — In case a new Organ shall be provided for the Church, then the
Organ shall be exchanged towards such new one.

These vacillating Minutes now end, for we find the following : —
13 April, 1705. — That the present Churchwardens do deteyne in their hands so much
money as will pay Mr- Harris for the Organ when it shall appear the same cloth answer his
proposalls and then pay him what was agreed for, or what he shall deserve for the same,
and that the Committee do appoint proper persons to inspect the goodness thereof.

£4 a year to be added to the Organists salary, to be paid by the Sextoness, who has
consented, and 20s. more to the Organ blower.

The Mr. Harris here spoken of, is the celebrated Renatus Harris, one
of several talented Organ builders who settled in this country soon after
the Restoration. The Organ thus built is the same in all material
respects as the one now standing in the Church. It has of course been
found necessary, during the 180 years that it has been in use, to make
sundry additions and alterations. And it may be noted with regret,
that the elaborately carved oak case ornamented with well designed
gilt cherubs, was (a few years after the removal of the Organ in 1868,

1 1 8 St. Giles, Cripplegate.

from the floor at the west end of the Church to its present useful and
appropriate position) sacrificed for the present plain and tasteless
one. Portions of the old carving are still to be seen ornamenting the
backs of some of the pews. To return from this digression to the
Minutes, we find on —

II May, 1705. — That Dr- Blow be appointed, on behalf of the Parish, to inspect
the Organ in the Church and give his opinion thereon, as to the goodness thereof and
to the value.

Dr. John Blow was an expert in Organs, as we find that he was
one of the Organists whose approval was to be given to the Organ in
St. Paul's Cathedral, before it was to be considered complete.

Dr. Blow evidently reports favourably, for the next entry runs as

follows : —

31 May, 1705. — That Mr' Harris be paid ^"400 for the new Organ by himself set up
in the Church, upon his agreeing to keepe the same in repaire and cleane it at his own
charge for a year from Midsummer, and at the end of said year for another year if
the Churchwardens request him so to do. The old Organ to be delivered to Mr- Harris
or his order.

The Parish at last seem to have thought that it was time to take
the part payment of the Organist of their new Organ out of the
Sexton's or Clerk's hands, for on date

14 Jan. , 1708. — It was ordered: That Mr- Green, the Organ player for the time
to come be paid yearly by the parish the £\o which used to be paid him by the
late Clerke.

Mr. Harris, the builder, seems to have been engaged to look after and
clean the Organ, whether for a stated sum or not, we cannot trace, but
he seems to have given offence to the " Gentlemen of the Vestry," as the
following entries clearly show : — -

7 Dec, 1709. — That Mr- Harris having dealt trickingly with the parish relating to
the Organ in the church, shall be no further employed in repairing, cleansing or looking
after the same.

That the said Mr- Harris be paid by the present Churchwardens ^28 for his looking
after the Organ three years and a half, ending at Christmas next, he the said Mr- Harris
on the receipt of the said ^28, giving a receipt to the parish in full of all demands to
that time relating to the said Organ, in any manner of wise.

20 Dec, 1709. — Mr- Abram Jordan to look after the Organ in the church for a yeare
at £8 for so doing.

The payment of the Organist still seems to have been a troublesome
matter, and one in which the Vestry could not agree. On date

7 May, 171 1. — That from Midsomer next the parish will have nothing to do with
the payment to the Organist of the ^10 a year formerly paid by the late Parish Clerk,
Mr- Barnsley.

1 7 14. — That John Ballards blind daughter be Organ blower, it now being the
Freedom's turn to put in that officer.

1716. — Matter of arrears of Organists salary and Organ Keeper to be considered.

27 Aug., 1717. — That it be proposed to Mr. Cornelius [Clerk], by Dr. Bennet,
that if he will pay the £15 due to Mr. Green the Organist, at Midsummer last, the
parish will not desire him to pay any more for the time to come.

27 Feb., 17 17-8. — ,£10 out of the Sextoness' money to be paid to Henry Green,
the Organist, with her consent.

31 May, 1720. — To inquire what sums is due from the parish to Mr. Greene, the
Organ player, and how he shall be paid the same.

The inquiry takes two years to make, meanwhile the Freedom Vestry
propose in their Minutes —

8 Nov., 1722. — That the dispute relating to the Organ players being paid be referred
to Dr. Coull.

And the result is the following entry in accounts : —

25 Feb., 1722-3. — Paid to Mr- Green, Organ player, arrears £67 10s. ; arrears,
Mr- Jordan, Organ maker, £"]i> I7-?- 6d.

In spite of the amount paid to the " Organ maker," the instrument
seems to have again been out of order.

Letter from Mr. Jordan, concerning the Organ was read, as follows : —

25 May, 1726. — The touch is bad. Mr- Harris left the Organ imperfect. I
propose to renew movements, to new voice, and make it completely good. This will
be three months' work, and would cost ^"ioo, but if the Vestry will pay for regilding
the front of Organ I will do all the rest on an engagement for 21 years at my
present annual salary of £8.

This was agreed to, the front was re-gilded at a cost of ^21, in the
September following, but the following entry occurs on

21 July, 1730. — Mr- Jordan has not commenced work yet ; he acknowledges his
fault and proposes to begin repairs ; if such be done, the Churchwardens to complete
the contract.

The Vestry finally settle to pay the whole of the Organist's salary

themselves.

27 Aug., 1728. —That the Organist for the future be paid his salary of ^20 per
annum by the respective Churchwardens of the Parish, and the same be allowed them
in their severall accounts.

The Organ and Organist question again troubles and divides the
Vestry, for on

19 Dec, 1728.— It was debated " whether Mr- Henry Green, the present Organist
of this Parish, should be continued as Organist thereof any longer or not. " Upon
being put to the vote there was 25 votes for continuing him, and twenty-four for not
continuing him. A poll was demanded and granted. It was carried for discharging
him upon the said Poll — 22 against 4 — and pay this quarter salary to Christmas next.

26 Feb., 1728-9. — Ordered "That Mr- Henry Green be continued Organist of the
Parish, and if the Churchwardens presume to pay any other person than him, that the
same shall not be allowed in their accounts."

This order was made after the Churchwardens adjourned the Vestry. It
is probable that Mr. Green's musical talent was not considered sufficiently
good. The Churchwardens seem to have made a dead set against him.

120 St. Giles, Cripplegate.

17 Mar. 1728-9. — Rev. John Rogers in the Chair — The question was put,
"Whether Mr- Henry Green should be continued Organist of this Parish." It was
carried ; 34 votes being given for having him continued, and 5 votes for discontinuing
him, and "all former orders concerning him are declared null and void."

But the blind Organist's troubles were not over. After the building of

St. Luke's Church, and the separation of the Parishes, the assault is again

renewed — the St. Giles' Vestry proposing to elect a new Organist, and

to pension Green off at ^10 per year — allowing him ^20 till the new

Organist should be appointed. This proposal was not confirmed, but a

month after, on the 14th June, 1734, they resolve "that Mr. Green, the

Organist, be paid ,£10 a year (the proportion of salary the Freedom

hitherto paid) during such time as he shall continue Organist, and that

he be paid the further sum of ^10 a year during the pleasure of the

Vestry.

In March, 1 734, proposals for amending the Organ are laid before the
Vestry — an estimate of ,£170, from a Mr. Bridge, is accepted in April
for repairs and adding several stops. A year afterwards they proceed
to elect a new7 Organist, the conditions are : annual election, ,£20 a year
salary while Mr. Green lives, and ^30 after his death.

Mr. Froud is elected — ■" who is to attend in his proper person on his
duty all Sundays, morning and afternoon, and on Saints days in the
morning." These terms are duly signed in the Vestry Book by C. Froud.
Meanwhile Mr. Green's rights are secured by a clause in the lease of the
Castle Tavern, which he does not long live to enjoy, for on August 4th,
1737, Mr. Green is reported to be dead, and Mr. Froud gets his ^30.

The vexed question of the appointment and salary of the Organist
appears to be finally settled, as from this time the troubles with the
Organist disappear from the Minutes.

Mr. Froud died in 1770. It is remarkable that the Vicar (Dr. Nicholls),
the Vestry Clerk (Mr. Stagg), and the Organist served together for over
30 years, and in the case of the Vicar and Clerk, over 40 years. Church
matters ought to have worked smoothly. The Organists in succession
were : Mr. Gilding, Mr. Courtney, Miss Bickerton, Mr. Immyns, Miss
Hush, and in February, 1832, Mr. W. Miller was elected, having success-
fully competed against 19 other candidates for the office. Mr. Miller,
besides being a good musician, was most popular in the Parish, and to
him is largely due the various restorations that took place in the Church
from 1858 onwards. One of his sons, Mr. Arthur Miller, is the present
Organist, the salary being ^80 per annum.

The Organ and Organists.

121

The allowance from the Vestry for Choirmaster and Choir is at
present ,£135 per annum.

Repairs of various kinds were effected on the Organ at the
commencement of the present century, but nothing of importance was
done until 1840, when Messrs. Gray and Davison put the Organ in
thorough order at a cost of ^250. In 1850, 1864, and in 1877-8,
considerable minor alterations and repairs were effected, and finally, in
1887, the instrument was cleaned, and several small alterations were
made. The following is a synopsis of the Organ, as supplied by
Messrs. Gray and Davison : —

Three Manuals CC to G, and Pedals CCC to F.

GREAT

ORGAN.

Double Diapason

Feet.
16

Fifteenth

Feet

Open Diapason .
Open Diapason .
Stopped Diapason
Principal
Twelfth

8
8
8
4
3

SWELL

Sesquialtera

Mixture

Trumpet

Horn

Clarion

ORGAN.

ranks

8
8
4

Bourdon

Feet.
16

Fifteenth

Feet
2

Open Diapason .
Stopped Diapason
Keraulophon
Principal

8
8
4

CHOIR

Mixture
Oboe .
Cornopean
Clarion

ORGAN.

ranks
8
8
4

Dulciana .

Feet.
8

Flute .

Feet
4

Viol di Gamba .

Piccolo

Stopped Diapason
Principal

8
4

PEDAL

Clarinet
ORGAN.

Open Diapason .
Bourdon

Feet.
16
16

Violoncello
Trombone

Feet

8
16

Violone

COUP

LERS.

Swell to Great.

Swell to

Choir.

Swell to Pedals.

Great t

0 Pedals.

Choir

to Pedals.

COMPOSITION PEDALS.
5 to Great and Pedals ; 2 to Swell, and 2 to Choir.

THE BELLS, CHIMES, AND CLOCK.

THE earliest notice of the Bells and Chimes is found in the will of
William Lamb (1580), founder of Lamb's Chapel, in Monkwell
Street, which was built partly on the City wall, overlooking what was
afterwards called the "Greene Churchyard." He says there that "he
gives ,£15 to the Parish Church of St. Giles, Cripplegate, to the Bells
and Chimes, intending a further liberality thereto if they had taken
time."

The first Inventories (1648), now existing, record "In the belfry six
bigger and lesser bells and one Saints' bell," and in the accounts the cost
of the " Clocke and Chimes " for that year is £2 2s. 6d.

In 165 1 ^21 is expended for " New iron work and making great part
new." "The Clock and Chimes taken down and set up, £4"

In 1655 the "great bell" was "recast at Redding"; the entries refer-
ring to this are as follows : —

Paid to Mr. Knight for casting the great bell, ^22 Js. 8</.

Paid for the bond and covenants between the Parish and the Bellfounder, is.
[Cheap law !]

Paid for the carriage of the Bell to and fro from Redding, ^5.

Paid for the hire of 4 horses for Mr. Papworth, Mr. Johnson, Mr. Read, and Mr.
Worthern, £2 lis, [Three of these were Churchwardens, and the other possibly an
expert in bells.]

Expended at the same time on this journey forward and backward, £% 1 55. 2d.

Entries occur from time to time for minor expenses. The following
entries in the accounts as to payment of the ringers will be interesting.

There is a yearly payment of 5s. for the 5th of November.

In 1654, when the Lord Protector dined in the City, 5-f.
In 1656, for the peace between England and France, $s.
In 1659, when the secluded Members were voted in, 5.5-.
at the routing of Sir George Booth, $s.

124 S^ Giles, Cripplegate.

In 1660, the day of the Audit dinner, 2s. 6d.

the day the King was proclaimed, 6s. 6d.

when the King came into England, 6s.

when the King came through the City, icv. \d.

Perambulation Day, 5-r.

In 1662, when the Queen landed, Js.

when the King and Queen came from Hampton Court, 7^.
King's Coronation Day, 6s. 6d.
Christening Font put up, 2s.

Times change, and Cripplegate merrily welcomed the so-called "Merry
Monarch," but surely there were many whose hearts were not with the
bells, and who sadly remembered 1641 and the years after it, and the
sacrifices made by Cripplegate men for their country's good — now, alas!
thrown to the winds, but destined to bear fruit some eight-and-twenty
years later.

In 1665, the casting of some of the bells at St. Mary Cray by Hudson
cost ^27, and in 166S two new bells were added by Mr. Piggott, at a
cost of ^20, and ^20 for new frames.

The Inventory now gives " eight bigger and lesser bells and one
Saintes bell."

When the steeple was raised in 1682, a new Clock and Chimes were
added, and several of the bells re-cast. The following are a few of
the entries : —

1683. — The sixth biggest bell to be re-cast, and made tuneable to ring in peal.

1685. — The great bell be new cast forthwith, and to ring in peal, tuneable to
answer the other bells, and that Mr. Whiteman do receive the sum of ^30, little
more or little less, being the remainder due to him.

1 686. — That the fifth bell be now forthwith new cast by Mr. Whiteman, and be
made a good bell, to ring tuneable in peal to answer the others, and he to have the
[same rate] as formerly he had for the other ; and the said Mr. W. did promise at the
same time to cast and make a new Great Bell, commonly called the Tenor, to ring
tuneable in peal, to answer and cover all the other bells, and left to his discretion the
weight of each, so that they both perform as above exprest.

Mr. Whiteman seems to have been slow in getting to work, for we

find on —

Aug., 16S6. — That the great bell, commonly called the Tenor, be forthwith taken
down, before which time Mr. Whiteman shall have a weekes time to consider whether
he will bring or cause to be brought into our steeple, the great new belle, commonly
called the tenor, if not then the Committee of Gentlemen of the Vestry to treat and
agree with another bellfounder for a new Tenor.

Mr. Whiteman was possibly afraid of " another bellfounder," and
finishes his work, for we find no more entries on the subject.
In 1688 the bell-keeper gets £4 per year.

The Bells, Chimes, and Clock,

125

In 1709 ^20 was spent in repairing the chimes, and 40^. paid yearly
for looking after them.

In 1 7 10 the passing bell is to be a check on the " Mortuary " money.

Dec, 1728. — It was ordered, "That 'Bradley'* be discharged from looking after
the chimes."

Aug., 1742.—" The bells to be rehung at a cost of £9 io.c, and a contract be made
at £s per year for 12 years to supply ropes and keep the bells in proper repair (barring
stock and wheel).

Feb., 1753. — "Mr. Thwaites having proposed to repair the chimes and add two
new hammers so that they may strike on ten bells, it is ordered to be done."

July, 1758. — " Estimates being furnished for repairing the wheels of the bells, that
of Joseph Eayre of St. Neots, Huntingdon, be accepted (^45 lis. Otf.) and the work
to be done in 4 months."

Oct., 1759. — " Complaints being made that the Clock and Chimes have been much
neglected, Mr. Thwaites be discharged and some other person an inhabitant of the
Parish be elected to look after the same."

Dec, 1759. — " Mr. Thwaites writes ' saying he has been ill,' and it is ordered that
he be reinstated."

The bells, wheels and stocks, and the whole arrangement for ringing
the bells, seems to have gone past repair, as when on —

Mar. 30th, 1772. — It being represented to the Vestry that the eighth bell in the
steeple is broken, it was ordered, "That there be provided a new set of Ten Bells at
the expense of the Parish, and that Messrs. Pack and Chapman Bellfounders be
employed in casting the same ; the sum of ,£200 to be raised by annuities towards
defraying the expense."

1772.- — " Pack and Chapman propose to recast and make a complete new peal of
ten new bells and recast the Saint's bell for ^315 115. oJ. "

This was agreed to.

1772. — " The windows in the bell-loft to be boarded up as high as is necessary, and
the lubber boarding there to be taken down and replaced more horizontal.

1774. — "^300 to be borrowed on Life Annuities defraying expense of new bells
and repairing belfry."

1777. — " Ordered to repair and amend the turret of the ' Sante bell.' "

Mar., 1783. — The cannon of the treble bell being broken it was ordered "That the
said bell be recast forthwith, and the same done under the directions of the Church-
warden, and that the third bell be opened, the eighth bell skirled a little and the tenor
opened a little."

"Warner" the bellfounder was Churchwarden, under whom the work
was done.

Jan., 1 79 1. — " The Church Clocke to be made to strike on the Tenor Bell instead of
the bell in the turret."

Apr., 1793. — Ordered, "That the twelve bells in the steeple be made to ring in
peal, the expense not to exceed the sum of ^60."

* This was Lang Bradley, who in 1722 made the clock that is now in the turret.

126 St. Giles, Cripplegate.

From time to time repairs and alterations have been made, but the
bells are practically in the same condition as they were nearly one
hundred years ago.

The weights of the respective bells, and the inscriptions on them, are
as follows :

The treble bell weighs 5 cwt., the second 6 cwt., the third 7 cwt.
1 qr., the fourth 6 cwt. 3 qrs. 1 lb., the fifth 7 cwt. 3 qrs. 13 lbs. They
all bear the founder's name, and some of them the names of the Church-
wardens, Alderman and Common Councilmen in office at the time of
their erection. The sixth bell weighs 8 cwt. 2 qrs., 5 lbs., with founder's
name and following inscription : —

" Ye people all, who hear me ring,
Be faithful to your God and King."

The seventh weighs 9 cwt. 2 qrs. 21 lbs., with inscription —
" Whilst thus we join in cheerful sound,
May love and loyalty abound."

The eighth weighs n cwt. 1 qr. 21 lbs., with inscription —

" Peace and good neighbourhood."
The ninth weighs 15 cwt. 1 qr. 10 lbs., with inscription —
" Our voices shall in concert ring,

To honour both of God and King."

The tenth weighs 17 cwt. 2 qrs. 3 lbs., with inscription —
" In wedlock's bands all ye who join,
With hands your hearts unite,
So shall our tuneful tongues combine,
To laud the nuptial rite."

The eleventh weighs 24 cwt. and 4 lbs., with inscription —
" Ye ringers all, that prize your health and happiness,
Be sober, merry, wise, and you'll the same possess."

The tenor bell weighs 36 cwt. 1 qr. 24 lbs., with Founders, Church-
wardens, Alderman and Common Councillors' names.

The gross weight of the twelve bells is 7 tons 15 cwt. 3 qrs. 18 lbs.,
exclusive of the clappers, which weigh 3 cwt. 2 qrs.

There are now (as at the time Timbs published his " Curiosities of
London ") twelve bells in the Belfry. Only one other Church
in the City, St. Bride's, Fleet Street, and only three other Churches
in the rest of London, i.e., St. Martin's-in-the-Fields, St. Saviour's,
Southwark, and St. Leonard's, Shoreditch, have so many bells as this.

There seems to have been a clock in the turret in 1649, an<3 in 1653
a sun dial was added, at a cost of 2s. 6d. When the steeple was raised

The Bells, Chimes, and Clock. 127

in 1682, a new clock was erected. From an old illustration of the tower
we find that it had but one dial, and this on the eastern front, and was
mounted on a diamond shaped facia. This clock seems to have been
constantly out of repair, the accounts showing many various amounts
paid for reparation, and

In 1 717 we find it ordered "That a new clock for the Church be ordered and the
old one in the steeple sold. "

In 1721. — It is ordered that "the Vestry agree to the Report now made about a
newe clocke, and that it will cost ^340, or thereabouts, to provide one, and to defray
the repairs of the Church.'1''

This " newe clocke " has two dials, one on the east face of the tower,
and the other on the north. Various repairs have been effected during
the 160 years since it was made, but no serious alterations have been
necessary, and it is now one of the best time-keepers in the City.

In 1722 we find that a Mr. Bradley, clockmaker, is paid ,£160.

The Mr. Bradley above referred to, is the celebrated Lang Bradley,
who, just before this time, erected the clocks at St. Paul's Cathedral.

The clock within the Church is of handsome design, enriched with
clusters of Cherubim, but neither the minute nor account books give any
clue to the date of its erection or its cost, unless it be included in the
above payment. In 1708 a clock in the Church is mentioned, and from
the general design, that now in the Church is the one referred to, as it
undoubtedly belongs to the early part of the Eighteenth Century.

THE CHIMING MACHINE.

THIS machine was made by George Harman (a cooper by trade) of
High Wycombe, Bucks, and set up in the steeple in 1794. Harman
had previously made a set of chimes for his own Parish Church, for
Watford, and for Christ Church, Spitalnelds, London. The last gained
him much notoriety; but the machine made for St. Giles, Cripplegate,
surpassed any of his previous works, and is even now considered one of
the finest in the kingdom. The chimes are constructed to play seven
tunes upon a running peal of twelve bells in the key of C, the tunes

being as follows : —

Sunday — "Easter Hymn."
Monday — " National Anthem."
Tuesday — " Auld Lang Syne."
Wednesday — " Hanover."
* Thursday — " Hark ! 'tis the bells."
Friday — "Mariners' Hymn."
Saturday — " Home, sweet home."

The machine consists of an iron frame, indicated by the letter (A) ; a
barrel (B), having 148 gun-metal ribs, between which are placed, secured
by nuts and collars on the inside, the 680 cams. These again, by
depressing the levers (b b), raise by means of the wires (U) the hammers,
and these, when released, strike the bells fixed in an upper chamber of
the tower. The levers are fitted to a shaft attached to a bar (R) working
over rollers in bearings (a a), and kept in position by weights (S) against
snail (O). This again is divided into steps of varying heights to suit the
cams for each tune ; the bar (R) being also steadied in the centre by an
iron bar (T).

The chiming barrel is made to revolve by a weight suspended from the
barrel (D); the letter (E) representing a rachet in which a click acts as a
detent, for the purpose of winding up the weight. Upon the spindle of

* The tune described as " Hark ! 'tis the bells," has been generally recognised as a modification
of " Caller Herrin," without the final call.

St. Giles, Cripplcgate.

this barrel is (F) the main wheel to which the click is attached. (G)
represents a pinion driven by the main wheel, and driving the chime-
barrel by means of wheel (C). Attached to pinion (G) is a wheel (H)
driving the pinion (I) on the shaft of which is the fly or governor (K KK),
and (L) a box containing a spring, with a nib which locks against the
lever (M), when the same falls into the notch of disc (N) at the
conclusion of each tune. The lever (M) is raised by the striking train
of the clock at certain hours, and on being released allows the machine

THE CHIMING MACHINE.

to commence working, (Q) is the discharging wire in connection with
this. The wheels of the machine are of brass, the barrel ends and
the spindles of iron, with iron straps, nuts and screws to regulate the
tension of the wires.

The following are the minutes of the Vestry in connection with the
Chiming Machine : —

Jan. 26, 1792. — " That a set of Chimes on 12 bells be put up in the steeple agree-
able to the Estimate now delivered by Mr. George Harman of High Wycombe in Bucks
who proposes to re-cast the old Treble Bell (which is crackt) and to cast two new Bells
at his own expense."

" That said Mr. Harman be employed to make the said sett of Chimes with a brass
barrd barrel to play seven tunes such as the Gentlemen of the Vestry shall appoint and
to re-cast the said old Bell and cast two new additional Bells agreeable to his Estimate
and proposal for the sum of ^400."'

April 8, 1793.— Ordered, " That the twelve Bells in the steeple be made to ring in
peel, the expence not to exceed the sum of ^60."

June, 1793. — Ordered. "That a Committee be chosen to select and direct what tunes
shall be played on the Chimes and to see that the 12 Bells be made to ring the peal.

Feb. 6, 1794. — The committee appointed to select and direct what Tunes should be
played on the Chimes, Reporting to this Vestry " That the Chime Tunes set on the
Bells are made compleat," It was ordered "That Mr. Harman be paid for the same
agreeable to his Contract."

" That Mr. Manesiere (who was appointed by the Committee to see that the tunes
were properly pricked on the barrel and to assist Mr. Harman in setting the same to
music) be paid Five guineas for his trouble."

Mar. 12, 1795. — Ordered that the Committee appointed to select and direct which
tunes should be played on the Chimes and to see that the Bells be made to ring in peal
be desired to meet Mr. Harman on his coming to Town to inspect the Chimes which
are in want of repair.

April 14, 1795. — " That a proper person in the musical line be employed to inspect
the Chimes to see if they are made and finished in a workmanlike manner and
report to the next Vestry whether they are or not. £2 guineas to be allowed for
Inspection." Selection left to " Committee on Tunes to be played."

April 17, 1795. — Pursuant to your request I examined your Chimes and have taken
a comparative view of them and of the Chimes of " Spitalfields " though the last
mentioned are a piece of good work it is in every respect inferior to yours, and I have
no doubt of yours giving both present and future satisfaction to the Parish — Signed,
James Green, Philpot Lane.

April 22, 1795. — Mr- James Green having by the Committee for directing the
Chimes been appointed to inspect the same — and he having by letter signified to the
Vestry his full approbation thereof — order that the thanks of this Vestry be given to
the said Mr. Green for his trouble and attention in inspecting the chimes and that this
order be fairly engrossed and sent to him by the Vestry Clerk.

The Chimes have given satisfaction to the present day, and with the
exception of some repairs in 1849, executed by Messrs. Thwaites and
Reed, and a few trifling alterations in 1877, but little expense has been
necessary in keeping the machine in order. But in 1887 it was thought
necessary to give it and the bells a thorough overhauling. This was done
by Messrs. John Moore and Sons, who made several rectifications,
replanted the bearers, made all the lifts of equal length, replacing a
number of worn and defective cams, and re-set all the old tunes, making
the machine once more as good as when first set up.

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EXTRACTS FROM THE REGISTERS

CHRISTENINGS, MARRIAGES, & BURIALS

From i 561 to 1700.

THE Register Books have been carefully kept and strongly bound ;
great credit being due to Vicars and Churchwardens for the
excellent state of preservation in which they now are.

They commence in 1561 and are continuous to the present time.
From 1561 to 1700 inclusive there are about 79,600 Christening,
12,140 Marriage, and 127,200 Burial entries in the Registers. The
first volume is of paper, the others of vellum down to the year
181 3 ; all the older volumes down to 1667 have been carefully rebound.
The first book, extending from 1561 to 1588, has been copied into the
first book of vellum, and page after page of the copy attested to be
correct by the signatures of " Barcroft," the Curate, and the Church-
wardens at the time (from 1597 to 1600). The entries have been
engrossed from time to time (probably from rough copies), under the
charge and superintendence of the successive Parish Clerks. The
names of some of these are appended : —

1578. — Luke Bell Clarke of this parish (buried 13 Decr).

1599-1600. — Richard Pawson, Sadler and Parish Clerke.

1603-1616. — William Plomer, Baker and Parish Clerke (buried 26th Nov1').

1618-25. — -William Eccles, Parish Clerke (buried 24th August).

1627-1641. — Thomas Cotes, Stationer and Parish Clerke (buried 15th July).

1641. — James Andrewes one of the Clerkes of this Parish (buried 15 Decr-).

1644-65. — Nicholas Pine, Hosier and Parish Clerke (buried 21 Aug'-).

1665. — Thomas Luckeyn (Revd-) Parish Clerke.

1666. — Thomas Foyer, Parish Clerke.

1668. — John Tibboles, Parish Clerke (buried 2d Octr-).

1672. — Thomas Quartermaine, Parish Clerke (buried 23d NoV- ).

1672-1695. — John Pine, Parish Clerke (buried).

1695-1708. — William Barnsley, Parish Clerke (buried 21st Oct.).

171 1. — John Walker Parish Clerke.

1 7 16. — James Cornelius (Revd-) Parish Clerke.

1717-30. — Richard Venn (Revd-) Parish Clerke.

1732. — Richard Peake, Deputy Parish Clerke.

1760.— William Ayscough, Parish Clerke.

1800. — William Ayscough, Parish Clerke (buried).

134 St- Giles, Cripplegate.

The years prefixed are those in or between which the name occurs in
the Registers or Minute Books.

The appointment of Parish Clerk seems to have been made by the
Vicar, and in some cases the Vestry concur, in others there is no trace.
The only appointment made by the parishioners in Vestry assembled is
that of Nicholas Pine, whose name occurs as Parish Clerke from 1644
till his death, during the Plague, in August, 1665.

As before stated the entries in the Registers do not seem to have
always been made at the time, as the following extracts from the Minutes
and Account Books show : —

1648. — " Volume of Registers from 1646 to 1653 was not provided till two years
after the date in the title of the Book which was in the year of our Lord God 1648."

Paid for a Register Book in vellum £\ \%s. (This volume has a beautifully

engraved title-page.)

1648. —Paid to the Clerke for two yeares and a halfes registering of Christenings,
Weddings and Burialls for want of a Register Book of Parchment, for the better
performing thereof he bought a Register Booke of Paper which cost him 2s. the which
he entered them all in and afterwards engrossed them in the Parchment Register £2.

1676. — "Thomas Quartermaine the Clerke having left 15 or 16 months of
Christenings Weddings and Burials to be entered it is ordered that 255. be allowed for
entering them in the Registers."

1697. — It was ordered, "That Two large Parchment leaved books for registering the
Christenings Weddings and Burials be forthwith provided."

1 70 1. — Mr- William Barnsley Clerke of the Parish doth deserve \$s. for registering
the births burialls and marriages omitted in the late Mr- Pine's time — it is ordered to be
paid when the work is finished."

The following extracts are given as examples of the entries ; many of
them are of great interest, and one intimately acquainted with the
history of any period over which the Registers extend will find much
information as to the family history of the inhabitants of Cripplegate.

At the head of each list respectively is placed the first entry of a
Christening, Wedding, or Burial in the Registers.

CHRISTENINGS.

Richard Grove, the sonne of Robert Grove, ye xxix day of March, 1561.

Jan. 4, 1577-8. — Elizabeth Draunte Dr- of Thomas Draunte.

Mar. 6, 1 580- 1.— Elizabeth, D1- of the Lord Willowbye.

Dec. 13, 15S2. — Rawley Gilbourne, son of Sir Umfrey Gilbourne.*

July 16, 1584. — Gabriel and Ann Targye son and daughter of John Targye servant

with the Lady Gylbourde.
June 28, 1584. — Elizabeth Mundaye dr' of Antonie Munday Gen*'
April 30, 1586. — Catherine Bartye Dr- of Peregrine Bartie, the Lord Willobie.f

* Sir Humphrey Gilbert, mentioned as living in the Parish, pp. 14, 138.
t Entries referring to the Willoughbie family and servants occur down to 1600.

Extracts from the Registers. 1 3 5

Nov. 13, 1586. — Dionise Dr- of Richard Haithway Maister of Arts.

Feb. 10, 1586-7. - Comedia, Dr- of William Johnson, one of the Queen's players.

Oct. 17, 1587. — Nathan son of John Fyeldes* preacher.

Feb. 14, 1588-9. — -Thomas the son of Thomas Morley, Organist.

Mar. 10, 1589-90. — Henry the son of Peregrine Bartye Lo: YVilloughbie.

Oct. 27, 1594. — Dorcas, Dr- of Thomas Dycker, Gen'-

Dec. 9, 1599. — Joseph, the son of Beniamyne Johnson. \

Sept. 24, 1606. — John, son of William Sly, player.

The three following entries show how the Parish kept itself secure from
supporting children whose parents did not reside in the Parish : — ■

Sept. 10, 1 59 1. — Charles the son of John Thomson borne in the house of Gillies
Davies, in Golding Lane, which Davies is bound in xx lb. to discharge the parish.
The bande lieth in the chest in the Vestry.

Feb. 18, 1596-7. — Edward, son of Robert Wall, Sailor, from Thomas Wallis, White-
cross Street, Bandes in Mr- Robinson's hands, Constable in Goswell Street to
discharge the Parish.

Oct. 22, 1621. — Richard son of Henry Clarke Gen'' deceased. Mr- Wilson preacher
Godfather took order with Mr- Clarke for to discharge the parish.

May 16, 1607. — John son of Sir William Twissenden, Knt-

Jan. 30, 1607-S. — Francis sonne of Sir William Morrison, K'"-

Sept. 20, 1609. — Thomas sonne of Sir Francis Hubbard, K"'-

Feb. 13, 1611-12. — Jeromy sonne of Sir Peter Mansood, K11'-

Mar. 22, 1611-12. — Henry sonne of Sir Henry Gray, Knt-

Jan. 12, 1612-13. — Katherine daughter of Edward Paulivizine, gen'-

April 7, 161 3. — Edward sonne of Mr- Edward Groome Minister of this Parish.

Oct. 1, 1615. -Dorothie Dr of Thomas Farnabie, gen'-

June 29, 1624. — The Lady Elizabeth Bourghchier daughter to the Right Hon. Edward
and Dorythie, Earl and Countesse of Bath.

June 29, 1624. — Richard son of Mr- , gentleman, from the house of Sir William

Twissenden, his father-in-law.

June 30, 1628.— Martha dr- of Mr Thomas Kenne,! gen'-

Frequent entries are met with referring to the family and assistants of
the famous schoolmaster, Thomas Farnaby : —

Dec. 11, 1628. — Charles son of Mr- Thomas Farnaby, gen'-
Jan. 27, 1629-30. — Frances Dr- of Thomas Farnaby, schoolemaster.
Feb. 23, 1629-30. — Mary dr of Thomas Kenne Gentlemen.
July 10, 1632. — Hyon son of Thomas Kenne Gentle:

Apr. 17, 1633. — Christian Jone, an heathen aged about 15 years from the House of
Robert Eyton in 3 Herring Court in Redcross Street.

* Field was a noted Puritan, who objected to affirm that the Book of Common Prayer contained in
it nothing contrary to the Word of God. On the title-page of one of his books he is styled Minister
of Cripplegate. J. Payne Collier says : His son Nathan— or Nathaniel— was a noted actor in the next
generation.

t More familiarly known as Ben Jonson.

{ This, and other entries quoted in the Christenings and Burials, are believed to refer to the family
of Thomas Ken, the father of the saintly Thomas Ken, Bishop of Bath and Wells, author of the
well-known Morning and Evening Hymns.

6 St. Giles, Cripplegatc.

Dec. 15, 1635. — William son of Sir Roger Twisden, Knt- and Bar1-

Jan. 12, 1637-8. — Williamson of William Fuller Vicar of St. Giles and Deane of Elye.

Dec. 13, 1639. — One found in Redcross Street at Sir Roger Twisden his door

ye father and mother unknown.
Feb. 11, 1640-1. — Timothy sonne of M1'- Timothy Hutton, Curate of the Parish.
Mar. 16, 1640-1. — Martin son of Thomas Kenn.
Dec. 26, 1642. — Jacob son of Wm- Ffenn mercer born in the Parish of St. Michael's

in Wood Street and baptized in the same Parish by Mr- Timothy Hutton Curate

of this Parish upon a sudden and urgent occation.
Nov. 9, 1646. — John the sonne of the Right Hon. John Egerton Earle of Bridgewater

and the Lady Elizabeth his wife borne.
June 7, 1648. — Frances son of the Earl of Bridgwater, borne.
Aug. 15, 1649. — William, ,, ,, ,,

Nov. 13, 1649.— Eliza Dr- of Mr- Thomas Twysden,* gen1-
Aug. 24, 1653. — Elizabeth, daughter of the Earle of Bridgwater.
Dec. 30, 1654. — Rob: sonne of Rob Bartlett birdcage maker late of the parish of

S. Buttolph Algate, London, Anabaptist, being foure yeares of age and upwards

was christened in our parish Church upon the 30th clay of December 1654 at the

instant request of Richard Lane Scrivenor of our parish of St. Giles : Christened

p : Allex : Kellie, Minister.
Oct. 28, 1657.— Bryan son of Bryan Walton, D.D., and of Jane, born 24th October.
Jan. 31, 1663-4. — Thomas son of Sir William Davenett, Knight, and of Dame Mary,

borne 14th January.
July 27, 1665. — Edward son of Thomas Luckeyne, Gen'- and Curate of this parish

and of Anne.
May 13, 1675. — Robert son of Robert Sidney Esci- only son of Philip Lord Viscount

Lisle eldest son of Robert Earle of Leicester was borne the 6th day of May.
Feb. 17, 1679-80.— John Sidney 4th son to Robert Lord Viscount Lisle was borne

the 14th day of February.
Aug. 14. 1681. — Scroope Egerton son of the Right Hon. John Lord Viscount Brackley

and the Lady Jane his wife was borne the 1 1 th day of August.
May 16, 1700.— John son of Bernard Mandeville (Freedom), Dr- of Physick, and Joyce,

borne 4th May.

There are over 220 entries of French Protestants who died in the
" Lordship" from the Revocation of the Edict of Nantes, in 1685, down
to the end of the Century. This probably explains " Mandeville's " first
settlement in Cripplegate.

A few entries relating to the Cages, or Cadges, as they are called —
refuges for poor and destitute wanderers.

Jan. 17, 1 58 1-2. — Willym the son of Leonard Rule borne in the Cage without

Cripplegate.
Jan. 21, 1586-7. — Jane the daughter of Evans Jones serving man borne in the Cage

at Grub Street ende.

* Thomas Twysden was son of Sir William Twisden, or Twissenden, in the Register. He was
made Serjeant-at-Law by Cromwell ; then imprisoned by him for the vigour with which he defended
the Corporation of London, who had retained him. He was advanced to the Bench, and finally made
a Baronet by Charles II. He married Jane Thomlinson, sister of Colonel Thomlinson, who commanded
the Guards at the execution of Charles I, and to whom the King gave his Ribbon and George upon the
scaffold.

Extracts from the Registers. 1 3 7

Aug. 14, 1627. — Jane Dr- of John Parfitt borne in the Cage at Moore Lane end.
Nov. 30, 1595. — A woman from the Cage at Golding Lane ende, unknown, buried.
Nov. 6, 1599. — Jane Martin, widow, from the Cage in Old Street, buried.
Aug. 13, 1603. — Henry Fox out of Cage in Chiswell Street, buried.

MARRIAGES.

April 13, 1561. — Roger Sylvester and Ellen Jeftery.

.Sept. 30. 1566. — William Bullen gen1- and Ann Defeilde.

Jan. 30, 1569. — Ralphe Merryweather and Margery Standback.

April 19, 1 57 1. — Gilles Quarrell and Prudence English.

Dec. 20, 1573. — John Cockeram gent, and Elizabeth Fryer gentlewoman.

June 4, 1574. — John Weybourne mynister and Hellen Gwillym.

Jan. 6, 1577-8. — Charles Langley and Hellen Eccles. [Charles Langley was Church-
warden at the time of transcribing the names from the paper Register to the one
on vellum, and superintended the work.]

Jan. 19, 15S0. — Mr- Thomas Sackfield and Mrs- Anne Sadler, by license.

June 12, 1580. — Mr' Thomas Parmyter gent, and Francis Bowes by license.

Feb. 26, 1581-2. — Mr- Anthony Barnars of Fryarnynge and Mrs' Elize Chalton of
Wishbytch in Cambridge Sheire by certificate.

Nov. 20, 1 58 1. — Mr- .Stephen Lake, Docter of Lawe and Mre- Elizabeth Chapman
by lycense.

May 31, 1582. — Edward Isham gent, and Majory Thacker were married in a house
by license.

Aug. I, 1594. — Nathanyell Gardyner and Katheren Camber by Mr. Doctor Ridley
his certificat.

Mar. 10, 1597-8. — The Lord Henry Barclay and the Lady Jane Townesend.

Feb. 4. 1607-8. — Sir William Harvey Knl- and the Lady Cordelia Ansley.

Aug. 11, 1613. — Sir John Molyneaux Knfc and the Lady Annie Fuljambe.

Dec. 1, 16 18. — Sir Thomas Parker Kn'- and the Lady Philadelphia Leonard.

Aug. 22, 1620. — Oliver Crumwell and Elizabeth Bourcher.

Feb. 4, 1629-30. — Mr- Robert Skerne Esi-' and the Lady Ann Cocket.

April 20, 1630. — Sir Christopher Yelverton and Mrs- Anne Twisden.

Dec. 30, 1641. — John Hopton Esci-> and the Lady Margaret Ley daughter to the
Right Hon. James Earle of Marleborough, deceased.

Dec. 10, 1662. — Sir Edward Morreyse and Jane Clarke.

Nov. 17, 1664. — The Right honbIe' John Vicount Brackley, eldest sonn to the Right
honble- John Earle of Bridgewater was married to y° Right honblc- ye Lady
Elizabeth Cranfeild ye 17th day of November 1664 By his Grace Gilbert Lord
Archbishop of Canterbury, in the Chappell at Bridgwater house in Barbican.

Dec. 2, 1669. — Tho : Vaux and Mary Hawes Earle Bridgwatr- Chappwell (by Docto1'
Zankey :)

May 5, 1672. — Robert Sidney, Esqr- the only son of the Right Honobl- Phillip Lord
Lisle, and Grandson to the Right Honobb Robert Sidney Earle of Leicester,
was married to the Lady Elizabeth Egerton (the only Daughter of the Right
Honobl- John Egerton Earle of Bridgwater,) the 5th day of May 1672 by
Dr- Sankey in Bridgwater house Chappel in Barbican.

April 2, 1673. — The Right Honoble- John Vicount Brockley, Eldest sonne to the Right
Honble- John Earle of Bridgwater was married to the Lady Jane Pawlett, eldest
daughter to the Right Honble- Charles Lord Sc- John of Bazing, eldest sonne to
the Right HonbIe- the Marquess of Winchester the second day of April 1673 by
Dr- Clement Sankey in the Chappell belonging to the Charterhouse with Licence
from the Bishop of London.

June 24. 1697.- — Sir Roger Bradshaw and Madam Rachel Guise.

Dec. 1, 1702. — Peter Whitcombe to the Honourable Gertrude Arundell.

BURIALS.
Jane Reve, the daughter of John Reve, was buried yc xxvi March 1561.
Old Mother Morys of Beech Lane, buried yc xxx November 1562.
Mother Sparrowe, buried y° ix December 1562.
Old Mother Christian y° xiii December 1562.
Old Father Brazier ye x March 1562-3.
Sept. 30, 1562. — Sir Henry Graye, Knight.
Oct. 4, 1563. — Robert Benburke,* Mynister.

Oct. 5, 1563. — Christopher Dorman Minstrell and Wayte of the Cyttie.
Oct. 8, 1563. — Walter Tempest Mynister.

In the Plague of 1563, during June and July, 38 " Duchmen " and
" Duch Fraus " were buried. Does this imply a colony of Dutchmen
settled in Cripplegate, who had fled from the persecution of Philip of
Spain, in the Low Countries ?

Nov. 1, 1567. — Margaret Foxe the daughter of John Foxe.

July 22, 1577. — John the Duchess of Suffolk's Horsekeeper.

Mar. 22, 1578-9. — Devower a Stranger from my Lady Duchess.

May 6, 15S0. — Miscellus servant with the Lady Duchess.

April 23, 1583. — Richard Smith Master of Defence householder.

Mar. 26, 1585. — Ilumphrie, the son of Sir Humphrie Gilberde Knight.

July 2, 1588. — Robert Crowley Vicar of the Parish of St. Giles.

Nov. 21, 1589. — George Coneway,f Mynister of St. Giles.

Oct. 26, 1563.— Mayster Bullin ye faithfull preacher of Codes Most holy word.

Dec. 8, 1566. — Mr- Huntleye the Mynister.

June 3, 1569. — Alls. Walsay a nonne.

Dec. 2, 1570. — Mr- Robert Smart sword-bearer of London.

Apr. 17, 1573. — Reignold Gray, Comes Kancie.

Jan. 9, 1575-6. — Mr- William Bullen, physitian.

May 1, 1577. — Dorcas, the daughter of Mr- Thomas Draunte.

Apr. 16, 1578. — Mr- Thomas Draunte Bachelor in Divinity, and Vicker of this Church.

Dec. 16, 1590. — Catheren, daughter of Sir Drue Drewry, Kn'-

May 17, 1591. — John Hilliare Goldsmith, deputie.

Jan. 16, 1593-4. — Joseph, the son of John Speede merchant tailor.

Jan. 14, 1594-5. — Sir Martyn Furbusher, Kn'-

June 4, 1595. — Ladie Elizabeth, wife of Sir Francis Wylloubie.

Sept. 17, 1596. — Frances Gibbs, a mayde dwelling in the Church Porch.

Oct. 16, 1596. — Gyllymeth, daughter of William Fox, Minstrell.

Nov. 16, 1596. — Sir Francis Wyllowbie Kn'-

Nov. 21, 1596. — Sir John Buck Kn'-

Aug. 23, 1600. — Mr- — Fox. in French Alley, householder.

Nov. 20, 1600. — Robert Wylson Yeoman and player.

*A Son and Daughter of Robert Benburke were buried within eight days before his death, and a
Son and the Wife of Walter Tempest ten days after his death. This was a Plague year.

t A note in contemporary hand-writing on the fly-leaf of the Register Book contains this entry,
" George Conway came to serve the cure on St. Thomas' day in the year of our Lord 1578." At the end
of the first volume of the Register, 14th November, 1588, in a bold strong hand-writing, the same as
the entries are, " finis quod George Conwey."

Feb. 9, 1604. — Thomas Fox, son of William Fox, Mynstrell.

Apr. 14, 1605. — Robert sonne of Sir William Wharewood, Kn'-

Julie 5, 1605. — Mr- — Marback, doctor of phisick.

Sept. 10, 1605. — Katherine, wyfe of Sir Lewes Lewtner.

May 4, 1607. — John sonne of Sir William Jones, Knl

June 8, 1607. — Elizabeth daughter of Sir Thomas Harris Kn'-

Nov. 23, 1608. — Mr- Vandoll from the Lord Embassadors of Spaine at ye Lord

Willowbies in Barbican.
Sept. 13, 1610. — Mr- Humphrie Barcroft,* Clerke, Mynester of this Parish.
Apr. 2, 1612. — Henry sonne of Sir Henry Lea, Knt-
Dec. 18, 1612. — Elizabeth, daughter of Sir Thomas Fulcham Kn'-
Feb. 10, 1613. — Mr< Edward Groome. Clarke and Minister of this Pish-
Maye 16, 1618. — The Ladie Elizabeth wife of Sir Anthony Hungerford Kn1"
May 23, 1618. — Anne daughter of Sir Henry Crooke Kn'-
Feb. 11, 1618-9. — Sir James Bacon, Kn'-
June 26, 1620. — The Ladie Thorney, buried at Canterbury.
Dec. 31, 1620. — James Lord Brackley sonne to the Right Hounorable John Lord of

Bridgewater.
Oct. 1, 1624. — Alice wife of Jacob Beluah, an excommunicated person, bury'd by

authority from the Ordnarie.
June 29, 1625. — Mr- John Juxon, preacher of St. Albans, Wood Street.
July 11, 1625. — -Thomas, sonne of Mr- Thomas Mackernesse Minister of this Parish.
July iSth, 1625. — Mr- Thomas Goodal, Minister, from the house of Mr- Mackernesse.
Aug. 5, 1625. — Mr- Thomas Mackernesse,! Minister of this Parishe.

The year 1625 was a "Plague" year, leaving its traces in many family

bereavements. The entries in the Registers show that in July there

were 1,260 burials.

Apr. 21, 1626. — The Lady Sisley daughter to ye Earle of Bridgwater.

May 8, 1626. — -A son of Sir Richard Bittison Kn'-

Mar. 27, 1627. — Henry sonne of Sir Henry Crooke.

Mar. 15, 1627-8. — Sir Nedtracie Smarte, Kn'-

Mar. 27, 1628.— Sir Thomas Liddell.

Mar. 31, 1628. — Susan, wife of John Speed, gen'-

May 25, 1628. — Mrs- Constance Whitney gentle"-

Mar. 13, 1628-9. — Mrs' Anne, daughter of Sir Richard Baker Kn'-

May 14, 1629. — Eliz : daughter of the Lady Liddall.

July 31, 1629. — Mr- John Speed, Merchantalor.

Jan. 22, 1630-31. — The Lady Mary, wife of Sir Jarvis Clifton Kn'-

Feb. 9, 1630-31. — Mr- Richard Budd, auditor.

Sept. 27, 1632. — Mary daughter of Mr- Thomas Kenne.

Nov. 18, 1634. — Margaret daughter of Sir Thomas Lucie Kn'-

Feb. 20, 1635-6. — Thomas son of Thomas Kenn gen'-

Sept. 30, 1635. — daughter of Henry Milton gen'-

Oct. 11, 1636. — Mary Villier, servant to Mr- Henry Welby gentleman.

Oct. 20, 1636. — Mr- Henry WelbyJ gentleman.

Oct. 24, 1636.— Zurishaddai, son of Samuel Eaton button maker. ) bo{h hm[ed together.

Oct. 24, 1636. — Obadiah ,, ,, ,, )

* He seems to have been at St. Giles, under both Dr. Andrewes and Dr. Buckeridge. The births and
deaths of several sons and daughters occur in the Register,
t He left by his Will ,£10 to the poor of the Parish.
{ The Hermit of Giub Street.

140 St. Giles, Cripplegate.

Mar. 12, 1637-8. — Alice Kemp, servant to Samuel Eaton button maker.

April 18, 1638. — Mr- Alexander Torriano, Italian Minister.

Sept. 21, 1638. — Mr- Edward Fuller Curate of this Parish.

Mar. 15, 1638-9. — Mr- Nathaniell Harwood Curate of this Parish.

Feb. 2, 1638-9. — Gregory Elinore, button maker, being excommunicated, was buried

in the highway.
July 26, 1639. — John Mud clerk als : quaeriester of S'- Paules.
Dec. 7, 1639. — Mary, daughter of Thomas Ken gen1-
Mar. 19, 1640. — Martha wife of Thomas Ken Gen'-
Mar. 26, 1640. — Martin son of Thomas Ken, Gentleman.
Jan. 17, 1641-2. — Thomas Hinman yeoman out of the Cage.
Oct. 3, 1641. — Sir Henry Spillman Kn'-

1648. —Frances the daughter of the Right Hon. John Egerton, Earl of Bridge-
water and the Lady Eliz. his wife died in our Pish upon the 13 day of Sepr-

1648, and was buried at Little Gadsden, Hertfordshire.
Nov. 3, 1649. — Samuel, son of Samuel Torshell,* minister.
Dec. 19, 1649. — Anne daughter of Humphrey Charles sawyer, killed by her mistress

by immoderate whipping.
Dec. 15, 1651. — Walter, Carp : hanged at Tybourne for robbery.
Sept. 23, 1652. — Mr- Robert Maynwaring, gen'- deputy of this Pish-
July 29, 1653. — Peter son of John Webb husbandman.

Nov. 3, 1657. — A blackamore called Yahow from Mr- Powell against Bunhill.
Mar. 16, 1657-8. — Eliz. daughter of Rob. Barnard Esci-' of Sileby, co. Leicestershire,

from St. Leonard, Foster Lane. (Church.)
April 27, 1658.— William Burges, M.D. (Church.)
Nov. 5, 1658. — Edward Rowland doctor of physick.
April 7, 1659.— From Abbot a glover in French ally a quaker, will not let it be

searched.
July 23, 1659. — Henrietta, daughter of Sir Herbert Whitfield Knu at Aldermary.
July 30, 1665.— Thos- Radcliffe, a Pish child.
July 30, 1665. — Catherine Wright a foundlin.
Aug. 10, 1665. — Mary dr- of Lancelot Crofts, gen'-

Aug. 10, 1665. — Mary wife of ,, ,, (iS entries between).

Aug. 12, 1665. — Tho. Blizard, Coppersmith, Churchwarden in being.
Aug. 12, 1665. — Eliz: his daughter (the next entry).
Aug. 14, 1665. — Edward Jarvis, Broaker, Churchwarden in being.
Aug. 21, 1665. — Nicholas Pine, Parish Clerke.
Aug. 21, 1665. — Elizabeth his wife (the next entry).
Aug. 27, 1665. — Sam : Austin minister.
Aug. 27, 1665. — Mary his wife (the next entry).
Aug. 28, 1665.— Wm- son of Matthew Jumper, Gen'-
Aug. 28, 1665. — Benjamin son of Matthew Jumper Gen1- (there are 76 burials entered

between).
Sept. 1, 1665. -Isabella dr- of Edw. Bolnestef Dr- Physicke.
Sept. 3, 1665. — David Barton son-in-law to Dr- Bolneste.
Sept. 6, 1665.- — John Askew minister.
Sept. 6, 1665. — Susan his wife (the next entry).
Sept. 15, 1665. — Samuel Skelton, minister.

* Torshell was appointed minister at Cripplegate by the Presbyterian Party. He was appointed in
1644 by the Parliament Tutor to the King's children. In the preface of one of his works he states,
" I have read through the whole Bible with them in an expository way."

f Edward Bolneste (physician to Charles II in 1666) lived in Jewin Street, and was buried in
St. Giles in 1697.

Sept. 23, 1665. — Henry Morley, minister.

Sept. 25, 1665. — Mary d1'- of Edward Bolnhest dotr- of Physick.

Sept. 30, 1665. — John Wall minister.

Sept. 17, 1665. — Mary wife of Beniam Needier minr- ~i

Oct. 21, 1665. — Hannah daughter of ,, ,, V Church.

Nov. 1, 1665.— Mary ,, ,, ,, J

Nov. 12,1674. — *L : John Milton, gentleman: Consumption: Chancel.

Dec. 24, 1678. — Stuart Egerton Esq. fifth son to the Right Hon. John Earle of

Bridgewater and the Lady Elizabeth his wife, departed this life the 20th day of

Dec, and bury'd in the Church of Little Gadesden in the Countie of Hartford.
Apr. 10, 16S0. — William Sidney Esq. third son of Robert Viscount Lisle dyed ye

2nd day of the same year. — Chancell.
Jan. 21, 1681-2. — Mary daughter of Sir William Egerton K.B. and second son of

Right Hon. John Earle of Bridgewater, dyed of Convulsion. — Chancel.
May 18, 1682. — John Howes, page to His Royal Highness The Duke of York.
Apr. 14, 16S7. — The Hon. Charles and Thomas Egertonf Esqrb- sons of the Right

Hon. John Earle of Bridgewater at Little Gadsden Herts.
Aug. 9, 1687. — The Lady Dorothy Mountague al's Male, widow.
Sept. 20, 1688. — The Lady Mary Poe relict to William Poe esquire to the King's

body, viz., to Charles I and II.
Jan. 12, 1689-90. — Charles the son of Robert Viscount Lisle from Clerkenwell

Parish.

* L. implies that Milton died in the " Lordship " part of the Parish,
f These youths, and a manservant, perished in the Fire which consumed Bridgewater House a

few days before.

THE ACCOUNT AND MINUTE BOOKS.

The old Account and Minute Books of the Vestry now existing are : —

i. — The Accounts of Sworder's Charity from 1582 to 1618 in one
book. This book also contains copies of Sworder's, Busby's,
Mason's, White's, Western's, Day's, Bradshawe's, Myllen's
(Lordship), Baron or Barnes', Smith's and Snow's Wills, of
some letters referring to the dispute between the Freedom and
Lordship as to the Highways, and papers relating to Parish
Charities.

2. — Account of Sir John Fenner's gifts from 1655 to 1689.

3. — The "Grand Accounts" of the Parish from 1648 to 1669 —
containing Receipts, Expenditure, and Inventories.

4. — Accounts of Whitecross Street Charities from 1665 to 1689.

5. — Minute Book of General Vestry from 3rd April, 1659, down to
the erection of St. Luke's Church, and separation of the two
Vestries in 1732. This book also contains the Minutes of the
Joint Committee of the two Parishes on charitable trusts down
to the end of the 18th Century.

6. — Minute Book of St. Giles' Vestry from 1692 to 1783.

7. — Churchwardens' Accounts for 1725.

8. — Accounts for Casual Poor, 1742.

There are also the Rate Books of the Parish almost without break
from 1 7 10 to the present time. The books of Accounts contain many
interesting entries. The annual audit is in each case signed by the
Vestrymen present at the audit. In the various books may be seen the
signatures of different Vicars, as well as of men whose names are still

144

S/. Giles, Cripplegate.

familiar from their charities or their public life. Fac-similes of three
of the most noted Vicars' signatures are shown below : —

iccuK.

William Bleyton, who makes his mark, does so in auditing Sworder's
accounts.

It is chiefly from money derived from Bleyton's Will that the Workmen's
Dwellings in Hoxton (named after him) were built.

\^2&p^\ / r&tyvyj

Charles Langley and Edward Harvist, whose signatures are given
below, were prominent men in the Parish.

O-i

<z£9™«^- jp^ut- &*f**#\

Some varied extracts from the Accounts will be found interesting.

The Account and Minute Books. 145

From Sir John Fenner's accounts the price of Bibles appears
to have varied from $s. %d. in 1655 to 4s. 6d. in 1657, and to p. in
1667. They were possibly scarce after the destruction of stock in the
Great Fire.

From the Whitecross Charity accounts the making of a shirt cost 4^.,
20 paire of shoes were had at 22d. per paire, and 12 paire of stockings
at i2d. per pair.

1615. — Item, given to Mrs Crawforde to relieve her necessities being found of

Mr- Sworder's kynne, 42/-.
164S. — Item, 40 dozen of Bread, £2.

(The year's distribution of Bread on Sundays and Fridays.)
1649. — Item, for a new rowle to call the poor by for Sunday and Friday's guifts.
1650. — For a curtain to keep the sun from the face of the Minister.
1652. — For Charcooles for the Minister in the Vestry, 2s.
— For a brass sundiall set on the top of the steeple, 2S. 6d.

An example of how leases were then settled —

£ s. d.

1654. — Expended when the lease was let of the Tenements in Sugar

Loaf Court - - - - - - -026

Dinner at the sealing of the Lease - - - -164

Fire and beare at the Quest House - - - -024

Dr- Fuller for a gratuity when he subscribed and sealed the Lease - 100

To his man Richard Harwood - - - - -026

Carpenter and Bricklayer for twice viewing the tenements - o 10 o

Expended at the two several views - - - -030

A messenger to Mr- C. about aforesaid Houses - - -004

A fine of ^260 was received for this lease (out of which the "four
shoppes " were built). Was Dr. Fuller, who had been deprived by the
dominant party, asked to " subscribe and seal " the lease to make
assurance doubly sure? Harwood was Dr. Fuller's servant in 1629, and
afterwards Sexton of the Church. He was buried in 1657, and is then
still described as servant to Dr. Fuller.

1655. — Paid for a Church Coffin -

1657. — For beere and sugar for the Minister in the Vestry

For the workmens breakfasts when they were about the steeple

Repairs on the steeple -

Smith, ;£io \2s. \\d. ; Carpenter, £\2 y. ; Mason. £5 os. 6d. ;
Plumber, £9 $s, ; Painter, £6.

The Book of Common Prayer, in 1650, disappears from, and in 1660
re-appears in, the Inventories.

s. d.

5 6

2 0

16 S

1 5

The Account and Minute Books. 145

From Sir John Fenner's accounts the price of Bibles appears
to have varied from $s. Sd. in 1655 to 4s. 6d. in 1657, and to 7s. in
1667. They were possibly scarce after the destruction of stock in the
Great Fire.

From the Whitecross Charity accounts the making of a shirt cost 4^.,
20 paire of shoes were had at 22^. per paire, and 12 paire of stockings
at i2d. per pair.

1615. — Item, given to Mrs Crawforde to relieve her necessities being found of

Mr- Sworder's kynne, 42/-.
1648. — Item, 40 dozen of Bread, £2.

(The year's distribution of Bread on Sundays and Fridays.)
1649. — Item, for a new rotate to call the poor by for Sunday and Friday's guifts.
1650. — For a curtain to keep the sun from the face of the Minister.
1652. — For Charcooles for the Minister in the Vestry, 2s.

— For a brass sundiall set on the top of the steeple, 2s. 6d.

£ s. d.

An example of how leases were then settled —

1654. — Expended when the lease was let of the Tenements in Sugar
Loaf Court -------

Dinner at the sealing of the Lease ....

Fire and beare at the Quest House -

Dr- Fuller for a gratuity when he subscribed and sealed the Lease -

To his man Richard Harwood -

Carpenter and Bricklayer for twice viewing the tenements

Expended at the two several views ....

A messenger to Mr- C. about aforesaid Houses

A fine of ^260 was received for this lease (out of which the " four
shoppes " were built). Was Dr. Fuller, who had been deprived by the
dominant party, asked to " subscribe and seal " the lease to make
assurance doubly sure? Harwood was Dr. Fuller's servant in 1629, and
afterwards Sexton of the Church. He was buried in 1657, and is then
still described as servant to Dr. Fuller.

1655. — Paid for a Church Coffin -

1657. — For beere and sugar for the Minister in the Vestry

For the workmens breakfasts when they were about the steeple

Repairs on the steeple ■

Smith, £10 \2s. lid. ; Carpenter, £\2 2s- ; Mason. ^5 Or. 6d. ;
Plumber, £g $s. ; Painter, ,£6.

The Book of Common Prayer, in 1650, disappears from, and in 1660
re-appears in, the Inventories.

s. d.

5 6

2 0

16 8

1 5

£ s. d.

1660. — Item, Common Prayer for the Minister - - - - o 14 o

Do. do. for the Clerke - - - -050

Six Testaments with Common Prayer - - - - o iS o

1661. — Two books of Common Prayer of the last Impression - - o iS o

Expended on the Constable and witnesses in taking their exami-
nation when the Common Prayer Book was stole away - 046

Was the book stolen by some fanatical objector or by a vulgar thief

The next entry certainly implies irreverence in the Church [see also
the extract for 1765).

1663. — Paid to Anthony Sams for the arrest and charges concerning £ s. d.

Andrew Harrison's Sonne's hatt being taken off from his head

in the Church - - - - - - -070

1663. — Received from Sir Reginald Foster for the use of the poor, £3,

in lieu of a pew built by him.
1664. — Paid for the burying of Goody Wentworth's child for a coffin,

and other charges - - - - - -026

— Paid to the Nurse for looking after Goody Wentworth when she

was sick for 3 weeks - - - - - -070

— Paid for a summons before the Lord Maior about the Pavements

before the Church doors .....

— Paving before the Church door -----
1665. — Paid to Mr- Jackson Upholsterer for lyning the Doctors pew

— Paid Mr- Conny for 4 Church Coffins bespoke by Mr- Gervis

{see page 140) -----

— Expended in and about the burial of Mr- Henry Barret * -
1671. — Paid for a shirte and coate for EdwcI- Musgrave -

Hat shoes and stockings for him ....

1676. — Paid the bearers and grave makers for burying Goody Price

THE CHURCHWARDENS' ACCOUNTS
FOR 1725.

THE Summary of Receipts and Expenditure show that ^1,32 1 15^.
was expended, and only ^1,160 13^. gd. received, but some
leaves of the book have been lost. Neither Grub Street nor Whitecross
Street Precincts are mentioned — possibly the amounts paid by them
were on the missing leaves. If so, the amounts required to balance
the expenditure is more than made up.

THE ACCOUNT OF MONIE RECEIVE- BY RATE & FOR SUPPORT
OF THE POOR if OTHER NECESSARY CONTINGENCES BY
CHURCH WARDEN & OVERSEER OF THE

POOR ANNO DOMINI 1723.

By Mr- Page & Company for burying Mr- Collctt in Linen in Tindels

burying ground -----
Mr- Pitts for profane Cursing & Swearing
By Mr- Morris for Excersissing his trade on ye Ld- Day -
By Mr- Medcalf Butcher for D°- -
By Mr- Negus Chandler for D°- - -

By Mr- Price Barber for Do-
By Mr- Lewis for Selling liquor wthout a liscense
By Mr- Hardy & Mole Overseers of ye poor for ye Year 1723 being in

part of ballance of their account ye whole sum being ^98 17 o -
By Mr John Evans Church Warden for ye year 1723 being ballance of

his account
By ye Kings Bounty Monie from Guild Hall
By assessment upon ye severall inhabitants of Red X Street Percint of

Is- 6d- ith pound ------

By Assessment upon ye severall inhabitants of fore Street Percinct of

One Shill: ith pound
By a Pentionors Goods I sent to ye Parish Nurse
Of Mr- Brewer for ye convex lights

Received by Rents and Gifts
By Mortuary Monies

140

328 7

14S

1 1

90 I I o

8 6

^"760

300

IOO

^1160

148 St. Giles, Cripplegatc.

SUMMARY OF THE CHURCHWARDENS EXPENDITURE
FOR THE YEAR 1725.

To the Poor by order of the Committee -----

Cassuall poor to the Hospital .....

Undertaker for Coffins & Shrouds -

The Vestry Clark -------

Passes ..--....

Bearers and grave makeing - - - -

The Warders their Sallery -

Expenses ........

Attend ye Mayor at ye Complaint of ye Poor

Hatts, Lace & Shagg & Makeing of Warders Coats -

The officer for his trouble and Expenses in Collecting the Rents,
Gifts & rates and Penns Ink & Paper ....
To other Necessarys Contingenes too Minute & Numerous to name
To Servants Sallerys for ye Church to Waterson & to ye Severall Days

ringing, to Point, Ale &c on Ascension day - - - 105 o o

To the City for the rent for the Church yard .... —

To Tradesmen for Cloath & bread & binding forth Child"- Apprentices

Pursuant to ye severall Legacys - - - - - 170 o o

To Tradesmen Necessary Repairs for ye Church, To Bread & Wine for

ye Holy Sacriment & Coles &c. - -• - - - 105 o o

To ye Workhouse ....... 700 o o

£1321 15

The following is a selection from the entries under different headings
in the Churchwardens' Accounts for the year 1725, from which it will be
seen how multifarious were the duties of that office; one hardly
wonders that men "fined" instead of undertaking such work and
responsibility : —

" THE ACCOUNT OF MONIES PAID TO CASUAL! POOR
FOR THE YEAR 1723."

£ s. d.
To redeem Richard Dawsons Goods he in prison - - - o 10 o

For a Shirt for Charles Gurney - - - - - - 026

To four strangers with a Pass - - - - - - 010

To Discharge Robert Weston from Prison he haveing a family of

Children --------

For Necessaries Martha Joy by our Ld- Mayors order

To Mr- Colebrandin Paper Stationer with Wm- Smallwood Apprentice

Pettition & Fees -------

For Stryping and Cleaning a Stranger found dead in the Street

To Morgan Crown to pay his rent .....

For a Gown & Coat for Cath. Tyson after Salevation

For a shirt for Geo. Smith he in a mesirable condition -

To Bayon Nelson as a Marraige Portion to wth Mary Midwinter

Pentionor — Nelsons Settlement being at S'- Benet-finck -

The Churchwardens' Accounts for 1 725. 149

To Rob'- Lay to buy him some necessaries at his going to ye Blue
Coat Hospital - ....

To Mr- West for fluxing Thos- Gascoyne
Paid to Mr- Mabbot & Sinison Overseers
Paid over ye Kings bounty to severall -
To Peter Watsons wife buried ....

Pd- to ye Lond"- Workhouse for Ruth Cave - - - - 030

Paid Coach Hire for part ye Committee yl was appointed to View ye

Workhouses of Sl- Giles and S'- Martins - - - 030

Paid ye Coroner & beadle for sitting on ye body of Judith Haswell

& Drink - - - - - - - - 1 19 4

To A. Walsham for geting a dying man out of ye Parish - - 010

For a chair to carry Hamilton to and fro to be examined to his settle-
ment several times ......

For the fees of Bethlem Hospital for John Suvat

To ye Marshall Man for calling mee to my Ld- Mayor

To a person for getting a dieing Man out of ye Parish -

To Mrs- Hopkins for Lodging Faith Wells 4 Weeks - - - 020

To Martha Steady & Children to put her in Slock Her Husband being

in Ludgate - - - - - - - 066

To Thos- Wager a sick man y' lay att my door - - - 010

To Eliz. Harris for a pair of Shoos - - - - - 016

For a letter from ye Country to send relief to John Grant - - 003

To a Stranger with 2 small Children Lay all night at my door - - 020

The following are the names of those Poor I Paid rent for yl was
removed out of Sugar loaf Court when ye Workhouse began —
(Here follows a list of 16 persons — the amount paid amounting
1° £7 I7-f- 6</. for six months.)

"THE ACCOUNT OF MONIES EXPENDED UPON BUSINESS
AND OTHER NECESSARIES FOR YE YEAR 1725."

( There are many amounts of i\- each for summonses before the Lord Mayor at the
complaint of divers poor persons. )

£ s. d.
To a poor man to carry ye rate to ye Alderman to be signed - - o 6 S

For Penns, Ink & Paper - - - - - - 036

To Mr- Cooper & Baglie bringing Mr- Calvert's Engine to a fire yl

happened in we X Street — gave by Mr- Deputys order - - 050

For an act of Parliament relating to ye poor - - - - 006

For councills fees & expenses upon Witness upon an appeal between

Bishopsgate & us on account of Welch and family
In waiting at ye Coffee Houses w" ye Church Warden was sworn
Spent at ye Tavern same day ------

Upon ye Sides-Men on Collecting ye money for assencoion Dinner
Upon ye Antients & other inhabitants at Dinner on Assension Day
Upon ye officers att Wallbrook att Receiving Dickensons Gift -
Upon some of ye Antients at Correcting ye Greenbook -
Upon Officers & others at Disposing of Gifts - - - -

Upon Commttee for Generall Inspection -

Upon self and partner wh others at Court Barron
Upon some of ye Antients & Horse hire to Receive a years rent at

Dagenham - - - - - - " o b 6

15°

Si. Giles, Cripp legate.

Att ye Coffee House in Waiting to deliver our presentment

For a summons at ye complaint of Rose Hall

For hearing before me Ld- Mayor

To Mr- Wood, Beedle as his fee for proceeding -

For Penns Ink and Paper ...

To Mr- Peake for ioo poor notes .....

To Major Adamsally — interest due to him & part of yu principall by an
order from ye Alderman ------

To Mr- Teake for ioo poor notes -

To Mr- Wood, Beedle as his fee for ye poor rate being sumd- by Com-
mand of ye Alderman ------

To Mr- Tanner for his fee when yc Sessions was held for ye
I leg ways --------

For Wine & Cake for ye justices -

For 2 yds- of Shagg for ye Wardors Coats

To Mr- Bird Massinger for bringing of order to receive The Kings
money from ye Chamberlain -

For Filling & Serveing ye Coals for ye poor

For a Summons of ye complaint of Frances Lovegrove, a Stranger, wth
5 Children and gave y' to go out of ye Parish

Spent upon ye Committee of ye Hiwayays at severall times

To Mr- Ayres for fire and candles at ye Quest House

vSpent wth a constable on business ...

To Sr- John Williams man when I swore to ye Warrant of Distress

Paid half part to a fire yl happened in buill row

149

The preceding items finish under a separate heading with the following
entries : —

To Mr- Crabtree Vestry Clark his Bill - - 47 o o

,, ,, ,, in a second Bill - 9 17 2

Spent wth a Constable on business - - - - o 3 6

For my trouble & Expense in Collecting ye severall rates - - 600
For my books & keeping my accounts & expenses in binding out Sixteen

poor Children aprentice &c. - - - - - 200
For my trouble and Expense in gathering & Collecting ye Rents, Gifts,

& Donations & other profitts belonging to ye Parish - - 500
Paid & expended wth Mr- Howard, Constable & portors at severrall

times on ye Distresse for ye poor rate - - - - 2129

The whole of the expenses for the year under this head was
^232 i6.s\ 6d.

"AN ACCOUNT OF MONIES PAID FOR
CERTIFICATES."

James Allen, Wife & 2 Children to Sf- Georges, Southwark
Richard Lodgely Wife and 5 Children to Alphage for ye chair
Samuel Dodson alias Dumb Sam: to S'- Olive's Silver Street
For burying a Stranger - - - - -

Many similar entries occur in this account.

'ASSES AND

The Chtirchwardens Accounts for 1725. 1 5 t

AN ACCOUNT OF MO NY PAID FOR RENT FOR YE POOR
if FOR SERVANTS WAGES.— -Mids tuner Quarter.

{Here follows a list of names of persons ivho have lodged a poor person, the amounts
paid varying from 6J6 to /oj- for the quarter.)

£ s. d.

Three men (servants) ...... each 2 10 o

To ye Searchers their Salery - ---050

AN ACCOUNT OF MONEYS PAID TO SEVERALL TRADESMEN
FOR THE YEAR.

£ s. d.
To Mr- Bruges, Printer for 1500 Bills - - - - - 0150

To ye Hand in Hand office for Insuring ye Workhouse, Moor Lane - 8138

To Mr- Cole for work done to ye Bells Wheels - - - 4 16 o

To Mr- Howard for 2 Prayer Books - - - 1 1 1 o

AN ACCOUNT OF MONIES PAID TO SEVERALL THAT HAVE

OFFICE'S IN YE CHURCH if THEIR SALLERY' S AND OTHER

NECESSARYS CONTINGENCES.

£ s. d.

Paid for 22 groce of Points* on Ascension Day for ye Boyes - - 250

Paid for a barrell of Ale for ye Boyes - - - - - 1 10 o

Paid Mr- Bradley for looking after Clock and Chimes - - - 400

Paid Mr- Green Organist a years Sallery - - - - 1000

Paid for velvett & mending ye pall - - - - - o 10 6

Paid for cleaning ye Sarsenett for ye Palls - - - - 076

Paid for a pad lock to secure of Parish Writings - - - - 016

Paid for 2 bundels of wlw wands for ye boyes - - - - 050

Paid for a leg of mutton for ye ringers on Ascension day - - 021

Paid to ye Chamber a years rent for ye Church yard &c. - - - 17 10 o

Paid to Mrs- Ayres Sextoness a years sallery - - - - 4 10 o

A Watchman for attending my door 33 weeks for ye security of ye

Church Plate. [The paper has failed here.] ... —

Paid for Cutting out of Shirts and Smocks for ye poor - - - 042
Paid to Carmen Tortors for Carrying & filling one hundred ninety &
three Sacks of Coals to ye poor peoples Houses over ye severall

parts of ye Parish - - - - - - - 3 J 1 °

Paid for Sweeping ye Church Yard and Carrying away ye filth - - 030

Paid ye men to drink - - - - - - - 010

*" Points," were metal tags used to fasten clothes. These weie given to the children at
certain spots in the perambulation of the parish, for the purpose of fixing the particular spot
upon their memory.

i 5 2 Sf. Giles, Cripp legate.

THE INVENTORY, 1649-50.

Inprimis.~2 bibles of the largest volume.
Item. — one psalme Book.

,, one common prayer booke.

,, one Booke called Bishop Jewell's Workes.

,, one Booke of all the Statutes.

,, 3 Statute Bookes of Paper.

,, 4 Register Books of Vellum.

,, 2 Communion cupps of silver, parcell guilt. Waight (No weight

given.)

,, one large silver dish for the Comunion Bread.

,, 2 silver pattins for the Comunion Bread.

,, 6 gallon pottes, 2 pottle potts, and one quart pott of pewter.

,, one knife for the Communion Bread.

,, one Comunion tablecloth and one napkin.

,, one greene carpet of cloth.

,, one greene cushion of cloth for the pulpit.

,, one other cushion of crimson velvet for the pulpit cloth with tassels

of gould and silver.

,, one Buckrum cover for the same.

,, one pulpit cloth imbroathered with gold and silver.

,, 2 houre glasses and one halfe houre glasse.

,, one large branch with 16 nossells.

,, one curtin for one of the upper windowes.

,, 2 new hearsecloths, one larger, one smaller.

,, one chest to keepe bonds in.

,, 4 dosson and six buckets.

,, 3 fireaxes.

,, 2 great fireaxes with chaines thereunto belonging.

,, 4 ropes belonging to the fire hookes.

,, 4 shovells belonging to the fire hookes.

,, 6 pickaxes.

,, one croe of iron.

,, one new long ladder.

,, one other new ladder.

;, one other ladder contayning 40 rounds.

,, one shorter ladder very ould.

,, one catheising pew, a wheelbarrow and a paile.

,, 10 peeces of elme timber for the bell stockes.

,, 2 bell clappers.

,, one fire shovell, tongs, bellowes, creepers and chamber pot.

,, one pickaxe, one spade, and one shovell for the grave maker.

., one pickaxe, one spade and one shovell for Sto wells use.

,, one flat monybox.

,, 5 woodden dishes

,, 14 woodden candlesticks.

,, 2 flat latten candlesticks.

,, one shovell for the sexton's use.

,, 2 tresalls and 16 formes.

,, one great ould stone font lined with lead.

, , in the belfry, 6 bigger and lesser bells, and one Saint's bell.

VARIOUS EXTRACTS

TAKEN FROM THE

MINUTE BOOKS OF THE VESTRY, &c.

''PHE Extracts are given as illustrative of the state of Society, of the
* difficulties of the Vestry, and of modes of transacting business.
They all have a certain interest, but, with the exception of those relating
to the Parish Fire Engine, Lecturers, and Refreshments, they are of such
a kind as to defy proper classification.

Down to 1618 the extracts are from Sworder's Accounts, the rest
from the Minute Book of the General and Freedom Vestries.

In these early times, and for many years after, the Deputy of the Ward
seems to have had much more to do with Parish matters as Deputy
than in recent times ; we constantly find " The Deputy" being referred
or appealed to on various matters, but even "Deputies" were careless
and sometimes obstinate as some of the following extracts from the
accounts and minutes would seem to show : —

160S. — For as much as Mr. Deputie's Keyes of Chest are not here by reason of his
absence the sum of £$ igs. 4//. is delivered to Mr. R. Churchwarden.

1610. — The Churchwardens have in their hands beside the money in the Chest, the
sum of ^13 igs., whereof ^5 is delivered to Mr. Deputy Harvist by consent, so
remaineth in the Churchwardens hand till the Chest Keyes be found £8 igs.

1612. — That by the consent of the Vestry, there was the summe of £50 taken
out of this Sworder's money and delyvered to the Churchwardens for the next year
to be employed in the building of a gallery in the Church.

1613. — There was taken out £7 y. 4</. paid to Mr. Rochdall towards the re-
building of the newe gallery in the Church.

1617. — " This £12 4s. was laid out in repairing the Church."

161S. — " Which £8 5-f. 8J. was spent in repairing of the Church."

Sept., 1662. — -"That the parties whose names are underwritten do repair to the
ordinary to acquaint him concerning the money that Mr. Cliffe (the late senior Church-
warden) delayeth in his hands which should have been paid into the Parish the last
audit-day."

154 $£• Giles, Cripplegate.

March, 1672. — All writings in the Parish Chest and all writings in Mr. Swinnertons
hand to be compared with the Registers Mr. S. has made and when found correct all
to be locked up in the Chest in the Quest House, and the four Churchwardens to keep
each of them a key.

June, 1672. —A General Vestry to be held on the 21st to receive 5 or 6 deeds and
also Keys of the Chest which are in the hands of Mr. John Cliffe, Deputy.

June 22, 1672. — " A petition to be made ready against Tuesday next to the Lord
Mayor and Council of Aldermen concerning all these leases, deeds and writings and
keys which are in the hands of Mr. John Cliffe, deputy, and that whatsoever money
is expended or laid out about or concerning the said petition shall be allowed the
Churchwardens in their accounts."

Mar. 26, 1673. — That the Churchwardens do pay unto Mr. Edward Dearmer the
sum of ^5 he having laid out concerning the recovering of severall writings which were
in the hands of Mr. John Cliffe, Deputy, and for his time which he hath spent concern-
ing the said recovering of these writings.

The Deputy seems inclined to give all the trouble he can, for in July

in the same year an order is made : — ■

" That Four be appointed to meet with Mr. John Cliffe, Deputy, on Thursdaye
next about 10 of the Clocke in the forenoon to demand three deedes that is to say
Temple Barr, the Cooks Company, and Mr. Denews and also one old grand book
with some other books, and to make their report to the next Vestry of the same."

The Parish Fire Engine was such a necessary institution, and caused
the Vestry so much trouble, that no apology is needed for giving
the following extracts respecting it.

In the Inventories previous to 1655, the only implements for
quenching fire are four dozen and six " bucketts " ; for checking,
" fireaxes " ; and for tearing down the light wooden buildings,
"fire hookes." In that of 1655, appears: — "Item. One Engine for the
Quenching of Fire."

During this year the Engine had been in use in Fleet Street and

Threadneedle Street, for there was —

£ s. J.
Expended upon the men that went forth with the Engine (to these) - 066

Given to the men that drew the Engine out and in - - -016

Paid to Abell Hodges for working the Engine at both fires - -050

Given to the City Founder for mending and cleansing the Engine- - 0120

For fetching water to try the Engine, and helping it in and out several

times - - - - - - - - -086

To them that tried the Engine - - - - - -010

Hammer to use about the Engine - - - - -010

In 1660, it was ordered "that an Engine house be built, fronting next
the Street and situate next the great gate that goes out of Redcross
Streete into the lower Churchyard."

</.

Various Extracts from Minute Books. i 5 5

The accounts report : —

Bricklayer for building the Engine House -

Do. the Ladder House -

Carpenter, Timber, and work done about where the Engine standeth
Carpenter, for a place to hang the Ladders on -
1 66 1. — To those who went to the fire in Noble Street
1665. — For painting and mending 48 buckets that were carried to the

fire in Cheapside, at 15^. per piece - - - -310

The Engine was used at the Great Fire, and got out of repair, for
we find : —

In Sept., 1666, the Vestry order "that the Engine be forthwith mended and kept
in good repair, and that a rate be made for mending the Engine and bucketts and
hoopes."

Paid the Sexton for work done in the "'fire time," clearing the Churchyard and
other charges £1 ; Mr. Hodges for mending the Engine traces, and for shovells and
pails used at the time of fire £2.

After the Great Fire, sites were evidently getting more valuable in this

quarter, for we find in : —

1667. — That the Engine House, fronting next the Streete and situated next the Great
gate that goes out of Redcross S4- into the Lower Churchyard, be let for ^10 fine
and £6 yearly rent.

A new Engine House was built at the cost of about ,£15, but its site
cannot be determined, probably near the tower of the Church where
a new one was built in 1775.

1682. — The Engine House to be forthwith rebuilt to hold both Engines, the
Freedom to allow 2 parts and the Lordship to allow 1 part, so that they may be
always in readiness for the quenching of fire in any part of the Parish.

1700. — That the present Churchwardens do forthwith prepare a new "tubbe"
for the Engine of good English oak, and that they be allowed fifty shillings for
the same, and pay the man y4 usually looks after the said Engine what they
shall judge reasonable.

1703.- — To repair and amend "Ingon."

1715.— That the person who brought the Engine to the late fire in Barbican be
forthwith paid as the Act directs.

1742. — Ordered "to repair the large and small Fire Engines" to cost £6 10s.

1749. — Paid £3 2s- f°r repairing Engine, and £3 for a new leather pipe of
forty foot long ; 3CW. to be paid yearly for keeping the Engine in repair.

The Churchwardens to pay to the Keeper or Keepers of every other Engine
that attended and was in compleat order at the late fire at the corner of Beech
Lane in Redcross S4- (beside the first three that have an allowance by Act of
Parliament), the sum of 10s. each to be signified by Mr- Deputy Wallington to the
said Churchwarden.

1750. — A Committee is ordered to "enquire into the state of St. Giles Engines,"
and no money to be paid to the Contractor but he is to attend at next meeting
and report.

1755- — A new Fire Engine to be got from Rugg and Newsam.

1759. — Ordered that the boards be placed in proper places to denote the situation of
the Fire Plugs.

1761- — Ordered that in pursuance of Mr- Banners proposal there be provided
seven fire cocks, pipes, and cases, and that they be fixed at such places as the said
Committee shall think proper, and the Churchwarden is to pay the charges thereof.

5 April, 1775. — That the Churchwardens for the time being do pay the person or
persons who shall bring the first fire ladder to a fire which may happen within the
parish and return the same ladder to the place of its reception the following sum or
sums of money as a reward : — Js. 6d. for the longest ladder, 55. for the middle ladder,
and 2s. 6d. for the smallest ladder. And it is ordered that there be provided three
keys for each of the Padlocks belonging to the said ladders, and that one of these
keys be kept at the Quest House, another of them at the Watch House, and the other
at the Engineer's House.

17 April, 1775. — That an Engine House be erected in the Churchyard at the west
end of the Tower.

30 May, 1775. — That the large Engine be repaired and new painted, and a stand
cock made for the small Engine.

That the Engineer be allowed 10s. for attending at the late fire in Grub Street.

In 1865, we find that the Parish received ^9 for their two Engines.

Oct. 1, 1673- — That from this day forward whensoever there is occasion for reparacion
of the Church for the employing of any workmen, that is to say Carpenter, Bricklayer
Plaisterer, Glazier or any other trade whatsoever, that thenne the Upper Chwn in the
Freedom doe give notice to the Upper Chw"- in the Lordship whereby to agree among
themselves concerning the employing of any such workmen, and the workmen to be
chosen by the general consent of the Freedom and Lordship, not altering or displacing
those that are now in employment.

Dec, 171 1. — Complaint being made to this Vestry that Mr. Brookes the Minister of
St. Alphage within Cripplegate is endeavouring to get part of this parish laid to his, it
is ordered, "That the Committee apointed at last Vestry to attend the Co"- for
building new churches be now a Committee also to draw up reasons forthwith and
deliver to the said Comsrs- why no part of this parish ought to be laid to St. Alphage
parish aforesaid."

171 1. — Ordered, "That the Vestry accept of Mr. Andrew Murray the Merchant,
the sum of ^56 8s. 6d, in full satisfaction for the Parish interest in or to the vessell
called the ' Merry Frigate.' "

May, 1714. — The Deputy and Common Councilmen are desired to acquaint the
Alderman of the Ward that the Vestry on behalf of themselves and the said Parish
and Ward humbly request his worship's intercession with the Lord Mayor and Court
of Aldermen that no licinse be granted to any person (brewing of ale or beer) to sell
the same or either of them by retail nor to any stranger that should come into the said
Ward to sell any ale or beer until such stranger have given bond with sufficient
security to indemnify the Parish and Ward from any charge that may accrue thereto
from them or their families.

I7J4- — Ordered, "That Mr. R. H. having acted contrary to his duty as a Vestry-
man in several cases and particularly in the case of the said men H. & D. [two
late overseers], by endeavouring to stifle their frauds in the execution of their said
offices, and advising them to agree among themselves and not let the Vestry know
anything of the matter, be expelled from being any longer a Vestryman."

Various Extracts from Minute Books. 157

1 7 14. — Agreed to Mr. Henry Lowth's project to buy tickets in the present Lottery
of the Government pursuant to the plan thereof by him now produced and in his
custody as Treasurer by the consent of the whole Vestry.

At this time the Vestry had great difficulties in meeting expenses
{see page 168).

A bill to Mr. L. of over ^78 for cloth for the use of the poor is
incurred in 17 10 and 171 1, and ^48 of it is paid on 29th April, 1720,
by the Committee appointed in 17 16. This probably quickened his
anxiety to try to induce the Vestry to take part in what was possibly
the South Sea scheme, or some other proposal of the Government
to pay off the National Debt. Wiser counsels seem to have prevailed,
as the project was not confirmed at the next Vestry.

June, 1 7 1 5. — Ordered, "That a General Vestry be held the first week in next
August and thence forth, the first week in every month monthly, of which notice to be
given in the Church the Sunday before in each month successively and summons is to
be issued accordingly." [Never put in practice.]

1716. — Ordered, " That notice be given to the Company of Barber Surgeons to turn
their watercourse which now runs into the Churchyard some other way."

1716. — There is a Vestry minute to the effect that, " Owing to the increase of the
Poor of the Parish through the late long war and deadness of trade the usual assess-
ments were not sufficient to make due provision for them, and ' the Churchwardens
have been obliged to borrow money; and to repay these loans by assessment is too great
a burden on the Parish.' "

It was then ordered that, "All monies which become payable to this [Freedom]
part of the Parish for burials for the use of palls, ringing any passage bell and knell
commonly called Mortuary monies, any fine or fines for parish offices from and after
the 1st of March shall be received by a Committee of two [persons specified] to be
applied towards payment of these debts — first the interest and then the principal."

Up to May, 1724, there was received from these sources the sum of
^1,303 Si-, of*/., and expended ,£1,273 l4s- 9^- m liquidating the
Freedom's debt. The balance was left in the hands of the Deputy.

1718. — Ordered, "That Mr. Thomas Loveday having produced a Convicts Certifi-
cate, be excused serving the office of Overseer."

1719.— Mr. E. B. and Mr. J. S. (not being general Vestrymen) intruding themselves
into this Vestry and being acquainted they had no right to be there as Vestrymen, and
being desired to withdraw and yet continuing here and disturbing the Vestrymen in
their business which they now mett to do, It is ordered, " that the said B. and S. be
prosecuted at law for such their disturbing the said Vestry as is afore mentioned."

A week after. " A Committee " is appointed " to inquire what right B. and S. had
to sit as Vestrymen in the last General Vestry and if it shall appear they had no right
so to do then to advise with Council what course is proper to be taken with them for
their so doing."

1720. — Ordered, " That the Upper Churchwarden doe pay £$ to St. Bartholomew
Hospital to enable them to send Hannah Hancock to the Bath [i.e., to Bath]; together
with the Beadle's fees.

158 St. Giles, Cripplegate.

1727. — The Collectors of the Window Tax in 1720 having failed to pay it all in to
the Exchequer an action was raised against the Parish. It was ordered, "That all
fines were to be applied to pay the difficiency and costs."

1729. — Ordered, "That ^20 out of the Ward monies be paid towards the expense of
a ward pump to be erected and set up where the late Conduit stood in Fore Street."

1729. — Ordered, " That the ground to let on building lease be advertised in some
one of the ' Daily Newspapers.' "

The ground did not let, as later in the same year we find it ordered: —
" That it be advertised again in some one or two of the Public Daily Newspapers."
Oct. 7, 1733. — Ordered, " That the Deputy and Common Councilmen or any four

of them with one Churchwarden be a Committee to assist the Churchwardens in the

placing the several inhabitants of this Parish in the pews of the Church in such manner

as they shall think fitt. Public notice to be given in Church of the time of their

meeting for that purpose."

1734. — Ordered, " That William Hoare upon payment of seven pounds and

producing his certificate of having convicted a felon or purchased such certificate be

admitted a vestryman of this parish."

April 11, 1737. — "That the Communion plate be lodged from time to time with

Mr. Alcock [house at east end of the Church] and that he be paid 20s. a year for the

same, and that he do give sec?irity.

On the next meeting of the Vestry the last part of preceding order
was not confirmed. Mr. Alcock refused to give security.

Jan. 18, 1739. — "That the great parish chest be repaired and that the Communion
plate be lodged and deposited there from time to time under the charge of the Sexton and
that his room be so secured for that purpose as the Churchwardens shall see necessary."

Ordered, " That the Tenants insure and keep insured the ' Houses by the Church '
in one of the Public Offices for insuring from loss by fire."

1750. — " That in future the Sexton carry the Service Books into the Vestry room so
soon as prayers are over and that if any of the said Books shall be lost by his neglect
that he shall make good such loss."

1750. — "That the Beadles be continued at ^10 per annum each. One to take
Redcross and Whitecross Streets, the other Fore Street and Grub Street, and if one
be out of the way the other to assist.

" That such Beadle as shall go with a pass shall have for himself one shilling and
if it be so far that he be obliged to lye out for every night he shall so lye out he shall
have one shilling over and above his expenses.

"That such of the said Beadles who shall remove any person to another parish in
friendship with us shall have for himself 6d. (In March, 1751, is. was allowed.)

" That for every person carried to the Locke he shall have one shilling. That for
every person carried to St. Bartholomews sixpence.

"That no more than one shilling be given to the Sister and sixpence to the Nurse.
That in future the Beadles shall be cloathed but once in two years to begin
Christmas 1751."

1 75 1. — It being represented to this Vestry that M1'- Thomas Tite had fined for the
office of foreman of the Inquest and was therefore admitted a Vestryman of this Parish
as having before that time fined for or served all offices in the Parish of St. Luke in the
Co. of Middlesex and where he now dwells and resides this Vestry thereupon took the
same into consideration and do resolve that in regard the said M1'- Tite is not resident

Various Extracts from Minute Books. 159

in this Parish he is not entitled to the privilege of a Vestryman thereof and do order
that the fine he paid on his admission be repaid him.

1756. — Ordered, "That the shed in which the Coals for the Poor are kept be
repaired, but only in such manner as will just serve to keep the coals from being
carried away by the populace."

1757. — " That any of the Inhabitants of this Parish who desire it may be at liberty
to repair the kneeling places in their pews at their own expense."

1758. — Ordered, "That a new 'Umbrella' be bought for the use of the Church
and the expense thereof allowed the Churchwardens in their accounts."

1759. — Ordered, " That a petition be sent to the Committee of the City Lands
praying that ' Crowther's ' well be made open with steps round for access so that
passengers may see to the bottom."

1762. — Ordered, "That the late Churchwardens pay Mr- Ayscough the Clerke
£7 7s. to buy a Clerke's gown to wear in his desk on Sundays and Holy days.

1763. — The Vestry take into consideration the great number of " Hoggs" that are
kept in or stray into the parish to the great annoyance of the public. It is ordered,
"That a warrant be obtained from my Lord Mayor for putting the law in execution
for the seizing and selling such Hoggs for the use of the Poor, and that in the
meantime Mr- Stagg do cause an advertisement to be inserted in the Daily Advertiser
that all such hogs will be seized and sold pursuant to such Act of Parliament."

1764. — Ordered, " That two doors are to be hung up at the end of the middle aisle
as to turn back against the Churchwardens and the Sidesmens pews and to be
constantly kept shut unless in time of Divine Service."

The following five entries illustrate the irreverent behaviour of many
of the people at this period : —

1764. — That all the bearers except C. do attend by rotation two at a time in the
Church in order to keep the same quiet on all Sundays during service time and upon
failure thereof that the Churchwardens do turn them out of their said places of bearers
and employ other persons therein who shall agree to perform such duty.

1765. — Ordered, "That the Churchwarden do every Sunday cause two of the
bearers or such persons as they shall think fitt to attend in the Church in the forenoon
and afternoon during the time of Divine Service, to prevent noises and disturbances
usually made by boys and beggars and that he do pay such persons attending one
shilling each for every day's attendance."

1769. — Ordered, " That Iron Spikes be placed on the Doors opening to the Middle
aisle of the Church, to prevent Boys from climbing over the same, and the Spikes to be
painted and gilt."

These doors with Iron Spikes at top were in the same position as here

described so lately as i860.

1772. — Ordered, "That instead of two of the bearers one proper person be
appointed by the Churchwardens every Sunday morning during service time to keep
the same quiet.

Neither the "bearers" nor the one "proper person" seem to have done

their work properly, so the following order is made : —

" That four poor men in the workhouse be ordered to sweep the ways to the Church
every Sunday morning and that they do attend in the Church every Sunday during
service time in order to keep the same quiet."

160 St. Giles, Cripplegate.

1770. — Ordered, "That Five guineas reward be paid to the watchman or watchmen
who shall apprehend and take a housebreaker for an offence committed within this
parish."

1782. — Ordered, "That the late Churchwardens do forthwith pay to the Deputy
the sum of ^115, to be by him paid and applied (together with the ballance of monies
collected on the Riot Tax) towards making up the quota set upon the Ward by the
Quarter Sessions for making good the damages occasioned by the Riots in the City
in the year 1780" [The Gordon Riots].

The following are extracts from the Parish Records concerning
" Ministers " and " Lecturers."

April, 1673. — Ordered "That ick. weekly be allowed to Mr- Edward Houghton
late Curate of this Parish towards the relief and maintenance of the said Edward
Houghton and continue until further orders."

July, 1673. — Ordered "That the sum of Twenty shillings be paid to Mr- Mainwaring
the Reader towards the maintaining of himself and family and that Mr- Howton the late
Reader be allowed but 8s. (till further orders)."

July 12, 1674. — Ordered "That "js. 6d. weekly be paid to Mr- Houghton so long
as it shall please God he doth remain in his miserable condition." [Houghton was
buried 27th July.]

May, 1676. — Ordered "That if Mr- Mainwaring shall misbehave himself by giving
Mr- Smythies ill language or otherwise it shall be lawful and it is desired by the
Gentlemen of the Vestry that Mr- Smythies provide another to read the Prayers and
perform the offices of the Church in his room at Midsummer next and in like manner
afterwards it shall be in Mr- Smythies his power to continue him or change him upon
his good behaviour."

Oct., 1714. — Ordered "That proper hoods to read prayers be forthwith provided
for the Vicar and his several Curates at the charge of the Parish."

Oct., 1722. — Ordered " That the Parish Churchwardens are desired to pay
Mr- Hawkins the Curate Eight Shillings weekly for the support of himself and his
wife, they being both very antient and in a very low condition."

As before stated, the Parish had the right of appointing the "Lecturer,"
and, in consequence, the candidates for the position never occupied a
very dignified position.

In June, 1668, the Lectureship was vacant, and it was " Ordered that
Mr. Wellbanke make a trial of his abilities for the afternoon Lectureship
for one quarter of a year."

In Oct., 1668, it was " Ordered that Mr. Wellbanke make further trial
for 3 months," and a similar entry occurs in Jan., 1669.

In Dec, 1743, the Lectureship is "declared vacant," and there are
eight candidates for the position. It is ordered " That each do preach
a sermon — the numbers then to be reduced to 4 and then voted upon."

In Feb., 1744, the Vestry declare themselves to be the real electors of
the Lecturer, but they make an order that "All who paid Poor rates are

Various Extracts from Minute Books. 1 6 1

to be admitted as electors," and they further say that the Vestry shall
afterwards ratify the election, adding " That it may be of advantage in
the voluntary contributions of the inhabitants to such Lecturer as shall
be chosen."

The Poll was taken at the Quest House, on Tuesday, 6th March,
from eight o'clock in the morning till seven in the evening.

The following entries in the Vestry Minute Books concerning
"Refreshments" for the "Gentlemen of the Vestry," may be
found interesting.

It must, however, be understood that the Churchwardens and Over-
seers were only allowed their expenses, the usual dinners in the Parish
were in recognition of their services. It may be also noted that when
a usual dinner is not allowed, distress in the Parish was unusually
extensive.

1652. — For the perambulation dinner by consent £2. Spent over and above at the
said dinner by consent in regard there was no cakes and aile it being an exceedingly
wet day 15^.

1679. — Ordered, " That for the future there be no cakes and ale eaten or drunk on
perambulation days, upon the parish account, although it hath been usual or customary
formerly."

1704. — Ordered, "That the present Churchwardens doe provide a dinner on Holy
Thursday, and that the charge thereof be allowed them in their accounts."

1704. — Ordered, "That there be a dinner on Allhallows day as hath been
accustomed."

1708. — Ordered, " That the Allhallows day dinner is not to cost more than £$."

171 1. — Ordered, "That the Allhallows day dinner is not to cost more than £6."

1712. — A similar entry, but " Dinner not to cost more than 40/-."

1713.- — Ordered, " That the Holy Thursday dinner do not exceed ,£10."

1714. — Ordered, "That a dinner shall not be provided on Holy Thursday as
formerly."

1714. — Ordered, "That there be a dinner on Allhallows day as usual but the
charge thereof is to be borne by the persons that shall be present thereat and not at
the charge of the Parish. "

17 1 5. — Ordered, "That no person be admitted to dine with the Ancients to morrow
at the Castle Tavern who refuses half-a-crown for his dinner."

1716. — " Ordered, " That there be a dinner on Ascencion day at the Castle Tavern
(but not at the charge of the Parish) and that every person coming to the said dinner
shall pay half-a-crown as was done last year. "

171S. — A dinner at the Crown Tavern on Ascension day for the Vestrymen that will
pay 2s. 6d. each towards it. The upper Churchwarden to expend ,£3 and no more on
such dinner.

1728.— There be an Ascension day dinner as usual. £5 and no more to defray the
charge thereof. It is the opinion and ordered by the Vestry, "That the overseers of
the Poor and Sidesmen do pay their half-crowns towards the said dinner."

102 Sf. Giles, Cripp legate.

1739. — Ordered, " That the procession and feast on Ascencion clay be laid aside till
the year 1741 and that the whole charge of All Saints day shall not exceed the sum of
40/- and that the charge of the day on which the Churchwardens are sworn in shall
not exceed the said sum of 40/-."

1741. — Ordered, "That there be no Ascension dinner this year and that there be
no perambulation till the year 1744."

1746. — Ordered, "That there be an Ascencion day dinner and that £\o be allowed
and no more on any pretence whatever or other charge attending the procession in
any way whatever."

Mar. 29, 1763. — Ordered " That the Vestry taking into consideration the necessity
of some of the ancients of this Parish to accompany the Churchwardens and Sidesmen
in the collection of Briefs from House to House and the collection upon the King's
letter and that it is unreasonable such persons should not have some refreshment after
making such collection and more unreasonable they should bear the expense of same
by their own monies it is ordered that in all times to come when such collection
shall be made that the Churchwardens do pay the expense thereof not exceeding 30/-
at any one collection."

Apr. 20, 1767. — Ordered, "That in time to come there shall be
allowed for expenses at the swearing in dinner
For the collecting all Briefs .
The giving away of Coales
All Saints day ....

Easter Monday ....

This order to be inserted in the front of every Churchwardens Book."

1774- — Ordered, " That the Churchwardens for the time being do in future on All
Saints clay and other dinners at the Parish expense call for the reckoning at 6 o'clock
in the evening that so the expense of such dinner may not amount to more than the
sum allowed by the Vestry for such purpose."

This order was made in consequence of ^8 16^. 6d. having been
incurred by the late Churchwarden beyond the allowance, and ^"7 ys.
by his predecessor. The Churchwardens again transgress for in —

1780. — It is ordered, " That ^15 14s. gd. expended over and above the allowance
for Dinners is to be repaid the Churchwardens and six guineas allowed for a dinner at
the swearing in of the Churchwardens and Sidesmen.

1795- — Ordered, " That at the making of the poor rate no gentlemen be invited to
sit down to dinner who do not attend to the business."

1795- — Ordered, "That at the Ascension day Dinner ,£25 be allowed to be spent."

4 guineas onl

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n h

THE VESTRY AND OFFICERS OF
THE CHURCH.

UP to 1640, and just before the outbreak of the Civil War, the Vestry
had been " tyme out of memory " a " Select " one — that is, self-
elected — but at this time of general upheaval it was made open, and
continued so until the year 1659. The following (the first entry in the
earliest Minute Book in the possession of the Parish) tells its own tale : —

Memorandum. — Whereas formerly there was a Vestry held in this parish of St. Giles
without Cripplegate, as occasion required consisting only of the Vicar, Churchwardens,
and all that had passed the place and office of Churchwardenshipp, which said Vestry
had the choice of Churchwardens, Overseers of the Poore, Surveyors for the Highwayes,
Clerke and Sexton as also for the letting of leases and severall other buisnes of concern-
ment for the goode of the Parish, But because of some discontented Parties in these late
troubles, Inhabitants of this Parish who were enemies to the ancient government of the
same, caused the Vestry to be dismist and so made choyce of the above said officers
by the generality of the Inhabitants of this Parish, they being so numerous there could
be no buisnes conveniently debated in that multitude, although it might much produce
to the losse and damage of the Parish, The inconveniences thereof being seriously
considered by divers of the Parish it was moved on Monday in Easter week being the
third day of April 1659 at a generall Meeting of the whole parish in oure Church to
settle a Vestry again, Being put to the question it was clearly carried by hands for
the settlement thereof in that auncient way as was used in the year 1640 and tyme out
of memory before.

On April 6th the first Vestry under the new settlement was held, and
resolutions adopted as to "military trayning in the Churchyard, and
shutting the back doores leading into it" (full particulars are given
elsewhere).

In 167 1, for some cause not apparent, unless the previous order of

1659 had been allowed to fall into desuetude — or perhaps from the altered

and improved character of the population after the fire of 1666, the

Vestry cause the following resolution to be entered on the minutes : —

That the Vestry of the Parish of St. Giles without Cripplegate continue a customary
Vestry as formerly it was and no person be admitted into it but he hath actually served
the office of Churchwarden or by his addresses to the whole Vestry by the paying of a
fine be admitted according to an order of the Vestry made for the purpose upon the
3rd day of April 1659.

M 2

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f^viwn {t?e7i»Sr'k<S*?^ ^uvjtfyciv

THE MINUTES- OF THE FIRST VESTRY MEETING ENTERED IN THE BOOKS OF

ST. GILES, CRIPPLEGATE.

THE VESTRY AND OFFICERS OF
THE CHURCH.

In 167 1, for some cause not apparent, unless the previous order of

1659 had been allowed to fall into desuetude — or perhaps from the altered

and improved character of the population after the fire of 1666, the

Vestry cause the following resolution to be entered on the minutes : —

M 2

164 St. Giles, Cripplegate.

Under this arrangement the two divisions of the Parish (the Freedom
and the Lordship) each elected its own Churchwardens, Overseers, and
Sidesmen, and other Parish officers. Each managed the special business
belonging to its own district; while for purposes common to both —
charities, maintenance of the fabric of the Church, &c. — they consulted
and voted in one general Vestry. When from deaths, disqualification by
removal out of the parish, or any other cause, the members from one
division became fewer than from the other, the general Vestry as a
whole elected others resident in that district in which the vacancies
occurred to fill the vacant places. The only limit to numbers appears
to have been that the one district should not have more representatives
than the other. This arrangement for the composition of the Vestry and
of its work continued until the creation, in 1732, of the Lordship into
a separate Parish, with its own Church of St. Luke ; when the general
Vestry ceased, the maintenance of the fabric of St. Giles' fell to the
Freedom part, and the Common Charities were managed by a Joint
Committee, the members of which were elected by each Vestry at
its annual Easter meeting. The general Vestry Book becomes from
this time a record of the proceedings of this Committee. The minutes
of the Freedom Vestry from 1692 are still preserved among our Parish
records. In June, 1708, the names of the Freedom and general
Vestry were ordered " to be fairly engrossed in frames, and set up in
the Vestry Room." The number of names on the Freedom Roll was 72.

The Account of the general Vestry is known as the Grand Account,
common to both, and audited by members appointed by the general
Vestry.

During the last 150 years there must have been something in the
surroundings of the Vestry Clerk of Cripplegate which has conduced
to long tenure of their office. The following are the dates of appointments
to the office: John Pine, 1669; Nicholas Wilkins, 1688; Richard Smith,
1694; John Freeman, 1696; James Crabtree, 1724; Thomas Stagg,
1 731 ; Thomas Strong, 1768; Peter Earnshaw, 1794; Alexander Baylis,
1840 — Mr. Baylis held the appointment until 1879, dying in 1882.

The position of Churchwarden of St. Giles, Cripplegate, is an
honourable one, involving both work and responsibility, yet one that is
willingly undertaken by leading parishioners. It has not always been
the pleasant post it now is, for until almost recent times the duties were
so multifarious and irksome that men frequently " fined " sooner than

The Vestry and Officers. i6:

serve. At one time the Churchwardens had to keep all the accounts,
to collect personally Parish rents and bequests, and relieve the poor.
The following (extracted from Dr. Freshfield's " St. Margaret, Loth-
bury,") gives us a quaint account of the duties of the Churchwardens in
that Parish. No doubt they were similar in St. Giles, Cripplegate.
Amongst other duties —

The elder Churchwarden shall have the receiving of all dewtes dewe

to the Church and so likewise the payinge of all duties bye or for the Church &c.

The younger churchwarden for the first year shall be dilligent and redye to ayd and
assist the elder warden with his best advice and assistance in all things tochinge the
office of churche wardenshipp he shall not take uppon him anie matter toching the
office of church warden without the consent and advice of the elder warden to whom
he shall maeke his accompt and of him shall receive allowance.

It is noticeable that the Vestry almost invariably ordered Church-
wardens to " forthwith " execute their decrees.

1690. — It is ordered, "That the Churchwardens of the Freedom and Lordship are
forthwith to go together to collect all rents &c. belonging to the Parish and then hand
over the proceeds."

Sept., 1700. — That the present Churchwardens doe forthwith repair to such
preceding Churchwardens and Overseers of the poor as they shall have cause to believe
have any writings in their hands belonging to the Freedom part of this Parish and do
take the same from them and place them in a Box or Chest to be provided for that
purpose with three locks and keys one to be kept by the minister, another by the
Deputy and the 3rd by the Churchwarden for the time being.

During the Churchwardens' year of office they were responsible not
merely for Parish documents, but for all the outlay. If there was a
surplus at the audit, the balance was ordered to be forthwith handed
over to their successors ; if there was a deficiency there was great trouble
and difficulty in repaying it. Sometimes an additional rate was ordered,
and the outgoing Churchwardens had to collect it for themselves as in
1695.

Many Churchwardens, however, took care to recoup themselves for
their time and trouble, as the extracts from the accounts for 1725 show.
(&epage 150.)

1695. — Ordered, "That an additional half year's rate be made and assessed to re-
imburse Mr. Ralph Cates and Mr. Henry Woolrich. Redcross precinct to be gathered
by the last and the three other (precincts) by the former, unless they agree to collect
together; if they do not Mr. Woolrich is first to reimburse himself out of his collection
and then to pay the remainder if any to Mr. Ralph Cates. "

The years 1692-9 were spoken of by the Jacobites as "the hungry
years of William and Mary." The average price of wheat was ^3 4-r.
per quarter, as against jQi 15s. $d. in the seven years before, and

1 66 St. Giles, Cripp legate.

jQi 15s. id. in the seven years after. The poor in Cripplegate were

many, and deficiencies in the Churchwardens' balances the rule; in 1698

matters came to a climax. The money which had been always carefully

transferred from the preceding Churchwarden to his successor for laying

in a stock of coals during the summer for re-sale to the poor during the

winter months at summer's prices was spent — the distress had eaten

up all the capital. The Minute Book says : —

April 20, 1698. — " Whereas the present Churchwarden hath not money in his hand
to pay for the stock of coles for the use of the poor and that whereas at the request of
the Gentlemen of the Vestry the Deputy and Common Councilmen will lay down
monies to pay for the same, That the next and succeeding Churchwardens shall and
doe on the 24th of July next pay or cause to be paid unto the said Deputy and Common
Councilmen all such monies as they shall lay out as aforesaid and their laying out the
said monies at request as aforesaid not to be esteemed any precedent for the future"

The Easter Monday election follows on the 25th. Evidently no one
cared to undertake the responsibilities of office under the conditions that
prevailed.

The following is a summary of the result of the election. (The value

of the " fines " where not given in the Minutes is estimated according to

the table of 1694) : —

£ t. d.

14 fine for the Office of Churchwarden - - - 166 o o

1 ,, ,, Churchwarden and Overseer - 1500

4 ,, ,, Overseer - - - - - 20 o o

7 ,, ,, Overseer, Scavenger, & Constable 70 o o

1 ,, ,, Scavenger and Overseer - 600

1 ,, ,, Constable - - - - - 400

1 ,, ,, Scavenger - - 200

Total value of fines - 283 o o

Part of the amount was expended as follows : —

£ s. d.

To make up a gift - - - - - - - - 1500

To the old collectors ....... 40 o o

To the new collectors ....... 50 o o

Three notes of hand (received for fines) each of them of £\o value to T. H.
[Churchwarden 1693] and to R. M. [Churchwarden 1692]. Total, ^60.

On the 9th June, 1699, a committee is appointed to inquire how the
remainder was spent.

At this Vestry Samuel Seaton was elected Upper Churchwarden, and
an anxious and trying time he must have had, for the ex-Churchwardens,
who were creditors to the Vestry, were in no mood to allow their claims
to be passed over with the usual formula, "to be paid as soon as con-
veniently may be."

The Vestry and Officers. 167

Three days after the election (29th April) another Vestry is held, and

it was resolved : —

"' That a half-year's tax be forthwith rated and made on the Freedom to be collected
by the newly -elected Churchwardens for re-imbursing Mr. Ralph Cates, Mr. George
Osmond, Mr. Thomas Stevenson, Mr. Abraham Bedbury late Churchwardens what is
due to them on their several accounts as already adjusted."

These accounts were as follow : — •

R. C. 1 69 1 account after rate granted in 1695 adjusted in 1697
G. O. 1695 account after audit ------

T. S. 1694 „ ,,

A. B. 1696 ,, ,,

It is ordered, "That the said Churchwardens be allowed and paid out of the said
rate £$ apiece for their trouble in collecting the same upon condition that they or one
of them do give a bond of a sufficient penalty that they will not convert the monies so
to be collected to any other use than what the same is given for."

The Churchwardens, with the present distress still confronting them, are
evidently unwilling to act simply as collectors for the repayment of their
predecessors, for on 25th July it is ordered : —

" That on condition the present Churchwardens and collectors for the poor do sign
the over rate lately granted for re-imbursing the old Churchwardens, that a half-year's
additional rate or tax be forthwith made and assessed for them [present Church-
wardens], the two upper precincts to be collected by the present Churchwardens, and
the two lower precincts by the present collectores."

12th Oct. — "S. Seaton [Churchwarden] to borrow at interest ^50 for the relief of
the Poor, the present Vestrymen promising to see the same repaid."

nth Nov. — "Eleven Vestrymen give ,£5 a piece for the Poor to be repaid in
3 months time."

iSthJan., 1699. — "A committee to inspect the half-yearly rate lately granted for
the re-imbursing the old Churchwardens." See 29th April.

26th Jan. — " Six months rate to be granted to be collected by the present Church-
warden Mr. S. S. for the releefe of the poor, out of which from the first monies that
shall come to hand, shall be repaid the £5 a piece lent for the great necessities of the
Poor."

Churchwarden Seaton's accounts are ordered to be audited on 6th

June, and on —

2 1st Nov., there is found "justly due to him on his account as audited the full and
just sum of ^165 2s. T,hd. as also £s° f°r which he is now debtor to Mr. John Fearne
by bond with interest for the same."

The same day it is ordered —

"That a six months rate be assessed (but not collected till after Candlemas) for
re-imbursing the said S. S. and paying the said ^50 and interest to J. F. and that for
the better securing to himself [J. F.] thereof and officio more to be now lent to the
said S. S. at the request of this Vestry, the money so assessed, as the same shall be
collected, to be paid into the hands of the said J. F. towards repaying him his ,£50
bond and ,£100 lent, and that what part of the £100 shall not be paid by virtue of the
said rate the Gentlemen of the Vestry will take care to see repaid."

1 68 St. Giles, Cripplcgate.

The Gentlemen of the Vestry resolve henceforth to keep a firm hand
over the accounts.

April, 1700. — It is ordered "That for the time to come no Churchwarden lay or
cause to be laid out at any one time any greater summe of money than 40/- for the use
of the Parish nor cause any repairs to be done above the value of 40/- (except church
repairs) without having an order of the Vestry for the same."

April, 1701. — The Churchwardens are ordered "To render monthly accounts to the
special vestry."

April, 1703. — It is ordered that "The Churchwardens shall monthly leave their
accounts with the deputy or one of the Common Councilmen to be passed by whom
they shall appoint."

Later on, when the amount due to a Churchwarden was great,
interest was allowed for the amount. See the following : —

Oct. 31, 1712. — The major part of the Committee appointed to audite the accounts
of Mr. John Child Churchwarden and of Mr. Henry Ford and Mr. Thomas Spittle
overseers of the poor for the last year having the ninth day of October instant reported
^223 y. ii</. due to the said Mr. Child on the ballance of his said accounts, and
.£35 5s- 2<?- due to the said Mr. Ford and Mr. Spittle on the balance of their said
accounts, it is ordered that this Vestry do agree with the said Committee in their said
report and do confirm the same and that the said Mr. Child Mr. Ford and Mr. Spittle
be allowed and paid usuall interest for their respective monies so due to them as
aforesaid to commence from the said ninth day of October until their several debts are
paid.

Dec. 10, 1713. — Interest due to Mr. Child in October last be paid out of the last
over rate.

Nov. 5, 1 7 16. — Reported due to Mr. John Child on the ballance of his account as
Chrwn- ^223 y. lit/, for which he was ordered six percent. He has been paid off
^23 3s. 1 1</. and there is now due for principal the sum of ^200.

Sept. 12, 1717. — To Mr. J. C. for one years interest ^12.

Feb. 7, 1719. — To Mr. Child for one year and three quarters interest £zi.

April 29, 1720. — To Mr. Child for one year and a half interest £i$-

July S, 1721. — To Mr. Child a years interest due the 24th ult. ^10.

The interest on the last two years is reduced to 5 per cent.

The first portion of the foregoing extracts refers to the audit of the
Churchwardens' and Overseers' accounts for year ending at Easter, 171 2,
the result is anticipated, and the effect of it is seen at the Easter Election.

At Faster, 1712. —

April 21. — Ordered, "That Mr. Richard Smith and Mr. Thomas Burgis be and
they are elected Churchwardens and John Craile Esq., Mr. Benjamin Hodson,
overseers of the poor for the year ensuing. "

Ordered, "That the said Mr. Richard Smith be and he is excused from the said
office of Churchwarden he having paid his fine for the same — and that Mr. Daniel
Quailes be Churchwarden in his room."
April 21, afternoon. —

Ordered, "That Mr. Daniel Quailes be excused from the office of Churchwarden he
having fined for the same and that Mr. John Armstead be Churchwarden in his room."

The Vestry and Officers. 169

Ordered, "That the said Mr. John Armstead be excused from the said office of
Churchwarden he having fined for the same and that Mr. Robert Home be Church-
warden in his room."

The same formula was gone through with thirteen men who were
elected as Churchwardens and fined sooner than serve ; the Vestry-
men sitting for seven days (sometimes having two meetings on the same
day), from April 21st to May 2nd, before two men were found willing to
serve the office. The same difficulty arose in the election of Overseers — ■
seven men refusing and fining accordingly. During this election
the Vestry sat for five days.

June, 1712. — It is ordered " That Samuel Carr Churchwarden doe forthwith take
up at the rate of 6 per cent, interest per annum the sum of ,£100 for six months and
that towards securing the repayment thereof with interest as aforesaid the Notes taken
for fines at Easter last be put into the hands of such persons as shall advance the same
and that the said Mr. Carr doe forthwith pay out of the said ^100 to the present
overseers as much as will pay the poor for a month."

The still wretchedly poverty stricken state of the Parish, and very
possibly the trouble about rating the Vicar had to do with the difficulty
of getting men to serve, for in April, 17 18 (in Dr. Bennet's time), a
similar difficulty occurred, and the same process had to be gone through.
Ten men fined rather than serve, and seven different meetings of the
Vestry were held.

The fines on the former occasion, had they been levied in full, must
have amounted to nearly ,£200, and in the latter year did amount to
^172, which was paid by the Deputy into the account opened in 17 16
for paying the Freedom's debts.

The amount of such fine was settled in 1694, as follows:— "For Upper
or Under Churchwarden, ,£12 at least; if Under Churchwarden fines
for upper ^10. Overseers, £5. Sidesman, £1.

In 1708 the fines were :— Churchwardens, ^12; Overseers, £6;
Constable, £5 ; Scavenger, £3 ; for the three latter offices together
not more than ^10, "exclusive of fees to the Clerke and Beadle."

In 1747, it was ordered, "That all Under Churchwardens who shall fine for
Upper Churchwarden shall pay ^12."

This was raised in 1752 to eighteen guineas.

In 1788, it is ordered, "That if the persons elected do not fine within 7 days he
shall pay 3 guineas for Sidesman.
,, 8 ,, Overseer.

16 ,, Churchwarden.

1 70 St. Giles, Cripp legate.

Again on Oct. 4th, 1799, " The Committee appointed on 28th April last report
that the fines should be for —

Sidesman - - - ^5 5 o

Overseer - - - ^10 10 o

Churchwarden- - £,2.\ o o
Upper Churchwarden after having served the office of Under Churchwarden, ^31 10 o

All offices - - - ,£43 15 o

The Vestry adopt the report, except the fine for " All offices," which
they fix at ,£37 165. od.

Intolerable meddling of the Vestry with the Churchwardens and
Overseers caused the latter to " flatly refuse " to be handicapped
by any Committee of the Vestry, and explains the following entry
of 1731 :—

The Committee appointed by the worshipfull the Alderman to audit the late officers
accounts Reported that they had with due care examined the same and that they
found several large and extravagant expenses charged and greatly exorbitant demands
for services done new and unknown to them and what was never charged in former
accounts to the prejudice of the public that therefore the said Committee with due
respect to this Vestry did offer the following proposalls as rules and directions for the
officers in future which being read were agreed to by the Vestry.

1st. — That a sum not exceeding thirty shillings be allowed to regale them the day
they are sworn in office.

2nd. — That the Churchwardens be allowed thirty shillings as charges at My Lord
Mayor's when they attend to "answer the complaints of the Poor."

3rd. — Accounts to be put under proper headings and not blended promiscuously

together — especially Churchwardens and Overseers to be kept separate.
4th. — Proper vouchers.
5th. — To be ready for audit within three months after being out of office.

1757- — ■ Proposed payment of Vestrymen. — Whereas it was represented to the Vestry
that it has many times been found very difficult to get a sufficient number of Vestrymen
in order to do the business of this Parish and that many times great delays have been
occasioned thereby— it is ordered, "That the Churchwardens for the time being do
and shall pay to the first twelve Vestrymen who shall make their appearance in the
Vestry (exclusive of the Vicar and the Churchwardens) and shall stay to do the
business thereof one shilling each as an encouragement for their early attendance."

At a Vestry held on May 6th the resolution was not confirmed, and
was ordered to be discharged.

It seems to have been the duty of the Churchwardens to personally
assist when the officers distrained for rates (see Accounts, page 150) ; and
in 1 75 1 we find a Churchwarden assaulted in the execution of his
duty by a ratepayer, and the Vestry ordering the ratepayer "to be
prosecuted."

The Vestry and Officers. i 7 1

As late as the commencement of the present century, Churchwardens'
duties do not seem to have been particularly pleasant, for we find : —

181 1. — Ordered, "That a Committee be appointed to enquire into the present
state of conducting the parish business, and to see if any or what improvements
can be made in the same to render the offices of Churchwarden and Overseer less
burdensome.

In 1829 there was much agitation in the parish respecting the "Select
Vestry," during which both the Vestry and Churchwardens were roundly
abused. The following is a choice extract from a Pamphlet : —

Churchwardens: Men who are supposed (!) by the uninitiated to be men of grave
and sober bearing.

Our Churchwardens feast in the Silver, and give us the

farthings.

An " Open Vestry Committee" was formed, and in 1833 published a
copy of a manuscript book in the British Museum, giving an account of
the Parish Estates and Gifts in the year 1686; along with this they
issued a circular, in which several pertinent questions were asked, among
others — " Do the whole of those Estates and Gifts belong to the Parish
at the present time ? If they do, are the proceeds properly applied ? "
They further say " That the Select Vestry, alarmed at the threatened
investigation, are taking steps to cause a partial inquiry, but the only
means to reform the evils complained of and to prevent their recurrence
in the future is to return to Open Vestries." The Select Vestry seem
to have cared little for the obloquy showered on them. They showed,
however (as told in the Minute Books), to the satisfaction of a
Committee of the House of Commons, that they were discharging their
duties efficiently as their predecessors had done " time out of memory,"
that the Vestry (then consisting of sixty members, whose names are all
given with the dates of their first rating in the Parish, and the length of
their services as Vestrymen) was for all practical purposes an open one,
for any person who chose to serve the different offices or to fine for the
same, was eligible as a Vestryman.

The different trustees of the Charitable gifts showed their balances
and how the gifts were disposed of, and the Vicar in answer to queries
put to him replied, " That he had never had reason to be dissatisfied
with the distribution of the gifts and had never interfered with the
Charitable trusts but was always content with the few Tickets given him
for distribution by the Churchwardens."

172 St. Giles, Cripplegate.

It is curious how two contiguous parishes should have carried on
their affairs for so long a time — on totally different conditions — for just
a century previous the parish of St. Botolph, Aldersgate, made their
Select Vestry an Open one, and so it continues.

The agitation continued more or less until 1869, when, after many
meetings and much excitement in the parish generally, the Select Vestry
were induced to apply to Parliament for an Act constituting the Vestry
an Open one. This Act, passed in the session of 1869, came into
operation on the 1st January, 1870. It recites "That the twenty
members of the Select Vestry might retain their seats until death, or
until they cease to reside in the parish ; and that four additional members
were to be elected by the parishioners, making twenty-four in all ; and as
vacancies occur amongst the members of the original Vestry, their vacant
places should be filled at the next annual election (held usually during
the first week in May)." The Vicar, Churchwardens, and Overseers are
ex-officio members of the Vestry. One-third of the members elected by
the parishioners retire every year, but are eligible for re-election. In the
present year (1888) Dr. Simpson and Mr. W. Bassingham are the only
members remaining of the old Select Vestry.

The election of Churchwardens rests with the Vestry, although attempts
have been made, both by Vicars and the general parishioners, to deprive
it of its ancient rights.

At Easter, 1725, the Vicar (Dr. Bennet) challenged the right of the
Vestry to elect both Churchwardens, and claimed for himself the right of
nominating one. A writ of mandamus was issued, ordering Dr. Harwood,
the Commissary of the Dean and Chapter of St. Paul's, to swear in
Dr. Bennet's nominee. The Vestry resolved to defend this "ancient
custom," with the result that the Vicar's nominee is not heard of again,
and thus, no doubt, establishing " their ancient right."

In 1775, the general Parish elected two Churchwardens, and thus
caused the legal right of the Select Vestry to elect the Churchwardens
to be raised. Lord Mansfield non-suited the general parishioners on
the ground that they could not prove their nominees duly elected, or
that the election of Churchwardens for the parish was ever in the parish
at large.

The usual practice has been for the senior Churchwarden to retire,
and for the Vestry to elect as senior Warden for the ensuing year the

gentleman who had, during the preceding year, acted as junior Warden ;
then to elect the junior Warden from among the parishioners who are
qualified by having previously passed through the offices of Sidesman
and Overseer.

This practice was in use so far back as 1580, as may be seen by an
inspection of the Churchwardens' names in the accounts of that period,
and continued even when the Vestry was Open, between 1640 and
1659. The minutes show that, with almost invariable regularity, the
aforesaid practice has been the common and usual custom of electing the
Churchwardens.

The Overseers are nominated by the Vestry; the usual course being
to nominate four persons and send the names to the Alderman of the
Ward for him to select two. This is the only occasion in which the
Alderman has anything to do with the management of the parish.

The four sidesmen are also elected by the Vestry at Easter, one being
usually chosen from each of the four precincts. They have no seat in
the Vestry.

THE VESTRY OF THE PARISH OF ST. GILES,
WITHOUT CRIPPLEGATE, 1887.

Vicar.

Rev. Prebendary Albert Barff, M.A.

Churchwardens.

John James Baddeley. Leonard Wm, Cubitt.

Overseers.

Thomas Mein. Richard Dyson.

Vestrymen.

Fredk. H. Simpson.

Wm. Bassingham.

John H. Woodley.

James Harvey.

John Corke.

Isaac Bousquet.

James Lake.

Edward Smith Weedon.

Joseph Mann.

J. Montgomery McBryde.

James Westerby.

Henry James Felton.

Charles Spurgeon.
Frank Herold.
James Dawson.
Leonard Wm. Cubitt.
John Craggs Leefe.
John James Baddeley.
Francis McCarthy.
Thomas Rowing Fendick.
Thomas Mein.
Robert Dyas.
Richard Dyson.
James Tillett.

Vestry Clerks.
Edgar A. Baylis. Robert Pearce.

THE QUEST HOUSE AND THE
"FOUR SHOPPES."

IT is very interesting, and at the same time sad, to trace how many fine
City churches have had their external appearance spoilt by the
erection of shops and houses against, and in many cases into, their
very walls.

The most notable instance of this is the Priory Church of
St. Bartholomew, Smithfield, where some most outrageous encroachments
have been allowed. In the case of St. Giles' Church the origin of the
Quest House and shops is clear, and the erection is in some sense
excusable.

On the plan of the ground surrounding the Church, shown on page 190,
it will be seen that there is a narrow strip running along the north side,
on which are now the Quest House and the " Four Shoppes."
This was originally part of the Churchyard ground. Before the burning
of the Church in 1545 it is probable that there was some building
corresponding to the present " Quest House " on the same site by the
north door, for in ancient times the Church porch was the usual place for
making and settling agreements, for paying annual rents, in fact the
centre for Parish business. It may be noted that in building the Quest
House and "Four Shoppes," two of the original windows of the Church
were blocked up — the positions of these are clearly seen from the
interior.

The Hustings deeds of the Corporation of the City of London
record in 1564, a "grant from William Rylandes of Folkestone alias
Folstone, co. Kent, gent., and Agnes his wife widow of John Rogers,
late surveyor to the town and works of Calais to Armygell Wade, of
' Belsey's,' Parish of Hampstead, co. Middlesex, and William his son, of
' The Common Hall of St. Giles, Parish of St. Giles' Without, Cripple-
gate,' in return for 100 acres of 'marche' ground in the parishes of Lydd

and Browne Hill, alias Prome Hill, co. Kent and Sussex." In 1567
there appears a grant from Armygell Wade, of the Common Hall of
the Parish of St. Giles, Cripplegate, to James Pilkington, Bishop of
Durham.

This "Common Hall" could hardly have been any other building than
that afterwards known as the Quest House.

In an arbitration settlement (1582) of a question as to alleged

encroachment on Parish property, the aggressor, in acknowledgment of

Parish rights is — ■

To yield and pay for the same yearly to us and our successors, Vicars and Church-
wardens of the said Parish, one pottle of Gascon wine at one entier payment, namely
on that day in every yeare from henceforth wherein the old Churchwardens do yield up
their account and newe ones chosen, That is to say on the Thursday next before the
feast of Pentecoste, and the same payment to be made in the "Quest House " at the
usual supper there kept by the old Churchwardens upon their accompt made.

Balances at the annual audit of Sworders accounts are ordered (in 1593)

to be placed in the "greate cheste," and in 1594 in the " greate cheste in

the Queste House." This great chest and its keys are often referred to.

Occasional entries, mentioning the Quest House, occur from time to time.

In the minutes of the Vestry in November, after the Great Fire, is the

following : —

If any Company be allowed the use and priviledge of the roomes one paire of stairs
high in the Quest House of keeping a Court of Assistants they shall pay £6 a year at
the least for the same. And again that what was formerly the "Quest House" Kitchen
be let to Robert Moss Citizen of London for eleven years at ^20 fine and ^20 per
annum rent for the same.

In 1654 a fine of ^260 for a lease of Parish property in Sugar Loaf
Court was paid to the Vestry (see page 145). Provision had been made
for the aged poor in various bequests, but no funds were available for
clothing poor children. With the money now in hand they propose to
supply this want. The part of the Churchyard west of the north
door appeared an eligible spot, and on this they resolve to build what
is afterwards known in the accounts as the "four shoppes."

Nov. 5, 1654. — Expended at Mr> Jopson's when the ancients of the Parish met to
view with Mr- Harman the " Little Churchyard " to build shopse on, 2s. 6d.

The "ancients" were not long in setting to work, for in 1656 the
"shoppes" were finished and let at an annual rent of J~6 apiece, with a
fine of ;£io for three, and ,£14 for the fourth. The extra £4 was given
to the poor.

The Quest House. 177

The accounts in connection with the erection of the "shoppes"
follow : —

1655-—

Carpenters work ----...

Bricklayers ,, -

Plasterers ,, -

Smith and Ironwork -------

Mason — work done about the Church and the new shoppes -
Paid to Mr- Frier for priming and laying in oile the new shoppes
Paving before the new shoppes and the Church Doore and for gravell
Paviour breakfast -------

Paid to Plumber for covering the new shoppes and for cutters and

spoutes thereto belonging .....

For glazing new shoppes and rooms -

Paid to severall poore people out of the fine - - - -

1656. — Given to Mr- M. Browne, Councillor, when Mr- Deputy and

Mr> Edlin went to speake to him about the four shoppes - i o o

The last entry shows there was a doubt as to something either in title or
expenditure.

From the "New Shoppes" provision for Allhallowtide (1657) for forty

" gray shuites and coates " for children.

£ s. d.
Paid for 80 yardes of gray Carsyes for forty shuites and coates ffor Children

at 3-r. i,d. per yearde ------

Cannus and lyning for the suites and coates

Gut strings and home buttons -

Cloath for the Pocketts ------

Hooks and eyes, tape, pasboard and thread

Making the 20 shuites at 2s. per piece . . .

Making the 20 coates at 8d. ,,

The overplus of the rent issuing from the new shopps, on the aforesaid day

to several Poor people of the Freedom and Lordshipp ^5 10s. lod.

whose names are entered in a book for that account - - - 5 10 10

£24 0 o

On 22nd October, 1666, six weeks after the "Great Fire," the Vestry
resolved for that year to make up some deficiencies in their gifts (evidently
caused by loss of some of their property within the walls by that
disaster) and expend the £8 8s. remaining on the children's "coates
and suites."

The Vestry held their " shoppes " in peace until the year 1681, when
the Vicar, Dr. Fowler, "discovered that the site belonged to himself, and
accordingly claimed a recognition of his rights."

The Vestry, finding the title in the Vicar, took a lease of the land and
houses from the north-west door from him in 1682 for 40 years, at an

178 Sf. Giles, Cripplegate.

annual rent of 2s., and rebuilding the Vicarage House. This is described
in the Minutes as "equivalent to such houses and lands as shall be made
over by our Vicar, and the Deane and Chapter of St. Paul's, in consider-
ation of rebuilding the ' Vicaredge House.'" In 1682 the title of the
Quest House was also discovered to "belong to the Vicar, and the Vestry
took a lease of it also for 40 years at the yearly rent of 2s., and that the
Vestry should raise the turret of the Church fifteen feet." In 1700 the
Quest House, and the houses in front of the Church up to and including
the " Great Gate," were included in one lease of 40 years from the Vicar
to the Vestry at a yearly rent of 4s., and immunity on the part of the
Vicar from all Ward and Parish rates, at the time valued at about ^4
per annum, and in the event of the agreement being infringed the Vicar
to have the right of re-entry.

In the succeeding years the cost of the poor in the Parish had
increased so as to require an assessment of 3s. in the Pound, and in 17 14
Dr. Fowler was charged and rated for Poor and Ward Rates. He died
before payment. His successor, Dr. Whitfield, was rated immediately
after his induction and declined to pay ; he was being hurried off to
Newgate as a defaulter, when a neighbour kindly advanced the money
and set him free ; his applications to the Vestry for indemnification were
refused, and he was told to exercise his right of re-entry. He died shortly
after, and his successor, Dr. Bennet, was treated in the same manner.
He refused to pay the rates, a warrant was issued and the Doctor com-
plains that " he could not go about his business in the Lordship part
of the Parish without endangering his liberty." This lasted for five
months. He probably paid his rates under protest, and his person is
thus protected, but in 17 18 he commences proceedings against the Vestry
in the Court of King's Bench to establish his right of re-entry. He
obtained judgment and established his title to this property, as well as
to part of the Castle Tavern and Pratt's buildings. These he then re-
conveyed to the Vestry, on condition of being freed from all rates.
Disputes as to what rates were meant, followed. The Vicar re-entered the
Court of King's Bench 18 months after. The Vestry met this by an
action in the Court of Chancery, as the guardian of charitable property.
There it was decided that, upon the Vestry re-imbursing the Vicar the
Parish and Ward Rates and paying the former legal expenses, the
Vicar should execute to persons named by the Vestry a new lease
for the residue of the former lease and deliver possession accordingly.
Trustees were appointed in July, 1723; the "shoppes" were let

The Quest House. 179

in the summer of 1724. The Vicar was still not satisfied in respect
of the rates, and issued writs of ejectment, and the Vestry resolve to
defend its tenants, reserving the Mortuary and "Pall" monies as a fund
for the purpose. In this year the Parish removed all their papers from the
Quest House for safety, placing them in the charge of the Vestry Clerk,
"who is to keep them at his residence." In 1726 the differences between
Vicar and Parish are apparently settled, as we find that " the Deputy is
to take the assistance of the rest of the Gentlemen of the Common
Council of this Ward, and they be and are hereby desired to beautify the
Quest House, in such a manner as they shall think proper."

In 1728 a Committee was appointed to audit the accounts of the
Trustees appointed under the agreement of 1723, and they were ordered
"to pay over the balance to the Churchwarden." The "balance" due to
the Freedom was ^18 19^. 2d.

In 1738, the lease granted by Dr. Fowler expired, and the Vestry
treat with Dr. Nicholls about the " Quest House, and the houses under
the Church," and in February, 1740, come to the conclusion to accept
a lease from Dr. Nicholls for 40 years, from Christmas, 1740, at a yearly
rent of 405'. to the Vicar of the Parish, and ^10 annual payment to
Dr. Nicholls, his executors, administrators or assigns ; Dr. Nicholls to
be freed from all Parish and Ward Taxes, except after the Rate of ,£50
per year for the Land Tax and to pay the Lamp Rate.

The shops do not seem to have increased in value, as in August, 1759,
we find the house " next the Church-door," is offered to be let on lease
for 20 years at ^5 per annum rent, and £$0 to be laid out in repairs
for two years, but the old tenant does not take it up ; it is then let to
another on the same terms as to lease and repairs but jQ\ per annum
rent, clear of all rates and taxes whatsoever.

In addition to the houses on the west of the Quest House, there
seems to have been one or two small shops along the front, between the
Quest House and the north-east door at the east end, for in 1704, we
find an order of the Vestry for the removal of one of them, that the
congregation might be better able to enter the Church at this "north-
east door," and later on the Vestry saw the necessity of providing for the
increasing number of persons passing the Church along Fore Street.

In December, 1756, the Vestry being summoned to meet and con-
sider how the narrow part of Fore Street (near the Parish Church),
might be rendered more safe and commodious, they " unanimously agree
that application be humbly made to the Right Hon. the Dean and

N 2

180 Sf. Giles, Cripplegate.

Chapter of St. Paul's, London, the Patron and Ordinary of our said
Church and Parish, for they have leave to pull down the old shoppes
erected against the north side of the said Church, part of the premises
on lease to the said Parish from the Rev. Dr. Nicholls, the present
Vicar, granted for a term of 40 years from Christmas, 1 740, in order to
lay open a way for foot passengers over the ground on which the said
shops now stand, in such manner as shall distinguish the said ground to
belong to the said Church."

License was granted June 2, 1757; the houses were pulled down and
the materials sold, fetching ^49 7-s-., and it was ordered that this money,
so far as it would go, " be applied to building a room at the east end of
the Quest Room House, and that in finishing the vacant ground, an iron
palisade upon a dwarf wall be erected from the corner of the said
intended little room to the extent of the pavement." This dwarf wall
and rails now stand as originally erected.

In September, 1793, the then Vicar renewed the lease of the Quest
House and " Four Shoppes " to the Vestry for a further term of 40 years,
on the same conditions as before.

When the further widening of Fore Street came under discussion in
1809, the Vestry proposed to pull down the property between the
Churchyard gate and the Quest House, for the purpose of widening
the street and to put up a low wall and railing, so that the Churchyard
might be opened up and the proportions of the Church better seen.

Under the impression that the increased rating which would thus be
derived from the opposite side of the street would counterbalance the
loss to the Parish, they applied to the Dean and Chapter of St. Paul's
for leave to carry out the scheme.

The Dean and Chapter replied that they saw no objection to the plan,
but that they could give no leave without the consent of the Vicar, and a
full consideration of his rights. Nothing, however, was done in the matter.

In 1824, the Vicar (Mr. Holmes) brought before the Vestry the now
dilapidated state of the Vicarage House (built in 1681), stating that in
the event of his death, his family, who were ill able to bear the expense,
might be called upon to make good the dilapidations. With a view to
obviate this, and to secure the Vestry in the continuous possession of
this property, " which," he says, " has been held by the Parish since
1 68 1, and regularly renewed by my predecessors since that time, and I
have no wish to transfer it to other hands, I propose to cancel the
existing lease, and to grant a new one for forty years, upon fair and

equitable terms, the new lease to contain the same covenants as the
existing one." The settlement of these terms he proposes to leave to his
own surveyor and the Parish one. The Vestry ask that the sum of
money required for a renewal should be stated.

The Vicar encloses the Surveyor's report, which recommends him to
ask ;£i,477 i6.r. 3^., free from deductions, the gross annual value being
^270, and the net value ^236 ox To this the Vestry reply " that they
consider it inexpedient at present to enter into any negotiation for
renewal of the lease from the Vicar." When the matter was again
brought forward six months after, the re-consideration of the Vicar's
letter was ordered " to be -postponed,"

On 8th October, 1830, the Vicar granted a lease of this property for
2 1 years to John Vivian and Christopher Hodgson, containing the same
covenants as the existing one — the second lease to run concurrently with
the first until its expiry in 1833. Mr. Holmes died on 15th June, ten
days before the expiry of the old lease ; his successor, Dr. Blomberg,
applied to the Court of Common Pleas to have the new lease under
these circumstances declared void. After a protracted litigation, and a
reference to the Five Judges, the new lease was declared valid, inasmuch,
as granted within the statutory limit of three years before the end of
the old one, it was not a lease in reversion within the meaning of the
Act. By this the Vestry were deprived of the beneficiary interest they
had hitherto had in the property, and whatever advantage accrues now
from the lease goes to private individuals, instead of, as formerly, to
the Parish as a whole.

Many parishioners still hope that means may be devised to remove
these unsightly buildings from the front of their ancient Church, and
thus re-open the windows now blocked up, and restore the north side,
facing the street, to something like its original design.

There is no reference in any of the Parish Records to any total re-
building of the Quest House, although there are several references to
repairs and " beautifyings." The probability therefore is, that the present
building is substantially the same as when first erected.

In 181 1, various alterations were made. An old view, now hanging
in the Quest Room, dated 181 1, shows the Quest House building
with two large windows over each other above the Church Porch, on the
arch of which is the figure of " Time with his scythe," and an hour-glass
on each side. The Quest Room has only one long window, and small
windows (probably to light the staircase) are also shown. The roof is

182

St. Giles, Cripplegate,

high pitched and tiled. This view was probably taken just before the
following alterations were effected. Later in the same year, the whole of
the front was taken down and set back for the purpose of widening the
pathway, at the same time the windows were re-modelled and the roof
raised and slated as we now see it. In the same year we find it stated
"That the two rooms under the Quest House, let to the Alderman and
the Common Councilmen, are converted into a Watch-house."

NORTH-EAST VIEW OF ST. GILES, CRIPPLEGATE, SHEWING THE QUEST HOUSE,
FOUR " SHOPPES," AND GREAT GATEWAY.

Since 1729, the upper part of the Quest House has been used as the
residence of the Sexton. From " tyme out of mind " the Vestry have
met in the room "one paire of stairs high" (referred to in 1582, and
again after the Fire of 1666). In this room is a good collection of oil
paintings of Parish celebrities. The portrait of Sir Matthew Wood, Bart.,
painted by Mr. Patten, and purchased in 1822 by the subscriptions of

The Quest House. 183

several inhabitants of the Ward, and that of the Rev. Frederick
Blomberg, D.D., hang here. In addition to these is one of the late
Vicar, the Rev. Philip Parker Gilbert, M.A., presented to the Vestry
in 1882, by Churchwarden Cornelius Gillett, also one of Richard
Lambert Jones, who was for 32 years a representative of the Ward
in the Court of Common Council, and Chairman of the Bridge House
Estate during the building of New London Bridge. He has been
described as a " giant for public work." Portraits of John Pickering,
Deputy, 1862, and of John Ellis, for many years Secretary of the
Cripplegate Savings Bank, must not be omitted.

An engraving taken from a portrait of Sir William Staines, painted
by Sir William Beechy, for the Carpenters' Company in 1S01,
a Hatchment of the Royal Arms in a splendid state of preservation,
that was hung in the Church at the death of George III, and the
armorial bearings of Sir Matthew Wood, also adorn the room. There
are also views of the Quest House and Staines' Almshouses, maps and
plans of the ancient and modern Parish, lists of the members of the
Vestry in 1833 and 18S7, and sundry other interesting prints and en-
gravings. The Vestry Clerk's office is on the ground floor.

THE INQUEST.

THE Inquest were a body of men whose chief duty it was
to look after the local and domestic affairs of their Ward. Elected
on St. Thomas's Day in the same manner as the Common Councilmen,
one of their duties was to see that the election of Common Councillors
was carried out in a proper manner. It was therefore necessary
that they should be previously elected. In consequence of this
duty no member of the one body could be a member of the other.
The number in Cripplegate Without probably varied from 16 to 20.
Stow says that in 1603 Cripplegate Without had 17 members, but in 1624
there appears to have been 19. A Constable, Beadle, Scavenger, and
Raker were also elected at the same time as the Inquest. The
duties of the Inquest were to find out defective weights and measures ;
to stop hawkers from plying their trade ; to see that neither cheese nor
butter were sold at excessive prices ; to see that no woodmonger sold any
firewood at excessive prices ; to see that no victualler sold unwholesome
food, or charged dearer for it than proclaimed by the Mayor ; to see that
bread was sold at the stated price ; to see that no fish, fruit, or meat was
sold at unreasonable prices ; to see that every man hung out a lantern ;
to see that the pavements and roads had no defect in them ; to see that
no filth lay about the streets ; to see that the Constable and Beadle did
their duty in looking after rogues and sturdy beggars; to see that no
foreigners bought or sold with any other foreigner; to see that no Freeman
coloured or disguised the goods of foreigners (we have returned to this
good rule in recent times) ; to find out if Mass was said or sung ; to
present any man who would not help a Constable or Beadle in the exe-
cution of his duty ; to find out abuses of every kind. The Inquest were
required to present the different offenders to the Justices of the City,
who ordered punishment.

The following was the Inquestman's oath : —

"You swear that you shall truly enquire and true presentment make of all such
offences and nuisances as shall come to your knowledge to have been committed
against the Queen's Majesty's peace, within the ward of Cripplegate Without, contrary
to the articles now given you in charge. The Queen's Majesty's counsel, your fellows,
and your own, you shall keep secret and undisclosed. So help you God. "

1 86 .SV. Giles, Cripplcgate.

St. Giles, Cripplegate, was appointed under the Inquest to be one of
Four City Churches that were to give the time to ring the Curfew Bell.

The order runs as follows : —

" They are to see that no Parish Clerk do ring the bell called the
Curfew after Curfew rung at the Church of St. Giles W'- Cripplegate,
Bow, Barking, and St. Brides' Churches."

The above resume of the orders, showing the duties of the Inquest,
were ratified by the Court of Common Council so recently as 1825.

ORDERS.

TO BE OBSERVED BY THE WARDMOTE INQUEST OF ST. GILES
WITHOUT CRIPPLEGATE, LONDON.

Since nothing is more Ancient and laudable than the Inquest Jury of this great and
nourishing City so nothing can be more commendable than decency and order to be
observed amongst them as well for the preventing any ffueds or contention that may
arise as also for preserving the peace and tranquility a thing so naturally agreeable to
all Societies and Communities of Mankind. Therefore that this Inquest may not in
anywise be deemed backward in preventing of any of the like disorders, They are
resolved to keep up to the strictness of good rule and order and for that purpose for
the better maintaining and preserving the same, They do hereby mutually agree to
observe and keep the following Orders, viz. : —

£ s. d.

That upon every Day this Quest shall meet upon Business every
Member thereof shall appear with his Livery Gown or Black
Gown or hire one for that purpose upon pain of paying to the
use of the Quest - - - - - - -026

For every Oath or Curse that any Member shall swear and curse upon
the accusation of any Member of this Quest the offender shall
forfeit and pay to the Poor's Box - - - - • o 1 o

If any Member during the sitting upon business shall be absent at
nine of the clock in the Morning by the Church Clock or after
the Great Bell or Tenor hath (according to the usual custom)
Tolled One hundred and one strokes, without leave of the
foreman and four of this Inquest, he shall pay to the use of the
said Quest - - - - - - - -010

And for every hour of the day besides - - - -006

If any Member shall absent himself half a day (except as before

excepted) he shall forfeit to the use of the Quest - - -034

If any Member as aforesaid shall absent himself during any day or
days of Business his partner shall pay and defray each respective
Night such expenses as shall be adjudged requisite for him to pay ;
his absenting partner paying him again. And if he shall refuse
or neglect to pay the same Then the charge thereof shall be
defrayed by this Inquest and the Offender shall be Indicted for
his neglecting to appear and do the business of this Quest or
shall forfeit to the use of the Quest - - - 1 1 o

The Inquest. 187

Provided nevertheless that any of the Inquest may be absent a whole day or
forenoon or afternoon or any hours in the day on any day of business upon
leave first had of the foreman and four of the same Inquest and also acquiesing
and agreeing with the above mentioned penalties as forfeitures.

If any Member of this Inquest shall offer or use any indecent or irrevelent speeches
or otherwise misbehave himself towards his fellow Quest Men or any other
persons which shall appear at the said Quest during the time of the sitting he
shall pay such fine as the major part of this Inquest shall set or impose upon
the offender.

If any Question shall arise during the sitting of this Inquest such Question shall be
put by the foreman and be decided by the Majority of the said Inquest.

And Lastly the Ward Clerk shall cause these Orders to be fairly written and put
up in a fframe to be set up in the Quest House during the sitting of this
Inquest to the intent that every Member thereof may have recourse to the
same and the better know his Duty therein.

The orders of the Cripplegate Inquest hang in the Quest Room — as will
be seen, they are framed on the good principle that those who know
best how to rule themselves are most fit to govern. There is no date
given, but at the bottom of the rules it states that "the former orders
being greatly obliterated, they were transcribed and an exact copy made
in 1837."

The work of the Inquest was in general operation until 1857 when, by
an Act of Common Council known as " Carden's " Act, the mode of
returning the Members of the Court elected on St. Thomas's Day was
altered, and the Inquest shorn of this the sole remaining part of its
original powers. Shortly before this time other of its functions — many
of which had long been allowed to fall into desuetude — had been taken
away by legislative enactments.

The last duty performed by the " Cripplegate Inquest " was the
inspection of publicans' and other tradesmen's weights and measures.
That the Inquest had been an important body, and had rendered good
service in the management of the City is evident by the following extract
from the report of a Committee to the Court of Common Council
(wherein they advise the suspension of its duties) : —

"Your Committee do not fail to recognize in the institutions of the Inquests
admirable instruments in times past for the efficient and independent management of
many branches of municipal and legal administration and means of obtaining good
government within the City, and cannot but acknowledge the services rendered by
their fellow Citizens in the performance of the duties formerly pertaining to those
offices frequently at much personal sacrifice and inconvenience."

The only instance in which an Inquest is now elected is in the Ward
of Portsoken, the Inquest in this Ward being the Trustees of the

charitable funds devised by Sir Samuel Starling (formerly an Alderman of
that Ward) and elected solely for the purposes of that Trust.

In connection with the Cripplegate Inquest may be mentioned
a curious collection of plate that was in the possession of that body
until the year 1865; it was then presented to the Vestry, in whose charge
it still remains. When the Inquest "dined" it was usual to have the
plate displayed on the table.

An antique horn cup, with silver foot and lip.

A brown tobacco dish, with silver feet, presented in the year 1568.

A rummer, the gift of Mr. Vaus, for being excused serving Scavenger

in 1608.
A pair of goblets, presented by Peter Phillips, for being excused

serving Scavenger, 16 12.
A chased silver cup, the gift of James Prescott.
A large goblet, engraved E. S.
A rummer, the gift of Eleanor Hodson.
A chased gilt salver.

THE CHURCHYARD.

THE old Churchyard of St. Giles' appears to have been of small extent,
corresponding most probably to what is marked "A" on the
accompanying plan of the present Churchyard. Aggas' Map (see page 9)
would seem to support this view.

The ground between the wall at the east end — running to the ditch
and the road leading from the "Cripple Gate" into Fore Street — was
very probably the "Garden" near Cripple Gate (mentioned in 1549 in
the Hustings Deeds of the Corporation) which, after the expiration of a
lease granted to Sir George Harper, was to be used as follows : — " The
said gardeyn shalbe converted, imployed and putt to thee use of a coen
Churcheyarde or burying place for the ded bodyes of chrysten people and
to none other use." (See B on plan.)

When these conditions were carried out we do not know, evidently not
when Aggas' Map was drawn in 1556, as in it the wall at eastern end of
the old Churchyard is clearly shown. When it did take place the whole
was probably not required for a burying ground, and some sort of
tenements, as shewn in Aggas' Map, were allowed to remain on the
frontage to the road. Then, for the sake of profit, the Parish allowed
permanent houses to be built. Small encroachments followed, until
the whole of this ground was covered with houses as we now see it.
That such a course was in progress, the following extracts referring to the
eastern corner of the original Churchyard show :—

1648.— Received of Frances Smartfoot for one whole year's rent for a piece of
ground belonging to the Churchyard on the backside of his house the which he built
upon. Due at Lady Day. 2s.

Received of for one whole year's rent for a piece of ground taken out of the

Churchyard adjoining to his house which he built upon, 10s.

Received of John Elliot for one whole year's rent for a piece of ground adjoining
the Churchyard, is.

Received of John Redding for one whole year's rent for a piece of the Churchyard
ground nye Mr- Smartfoot's, 10s.

In 1656 three of these entries change to " Received of Francis Smartfoot
for one whole year's rent for three pieces of Churchyard ground adjoining
his dwelling."

190

Sf. Giles, Cripplegate.

In 1708 this piece of ground, under the name of Pratt's Buildings,
was let on a lease of 61 years at \os. per annum, and ^15 fine, on the
condition that the tenant was not to darken the Church nor do any
damage to the building.

In the light of above entries there can be no doubt but that part of
the ground between the Church on the east, and what is now Cripplegate
Buildings, was once used for burials, and this will fully account for the
number of human bones that were dug up when recently excavating
for the foundations of a new warehouse.

The portions marked " A " in plan was all Churchyard, until first
the " Quest House," then the buildings just referred to, part of the
Castle Tavern and later on the " four shoppes " were built upon it.

The Castle Tavern appears to form a connecting link between the
original Churchyard and the " Garden Ground " to the east. It stood in
Fore Street, partly on the Glebe, partly on the Parish ground. (See G on
plan.) It figures largely in the minutes of the Vestry as a source of
income, a place of entertainment for the Vestry, and a bone of contention
between Vestries and Vicars. In 1649 it let for ^26 a year, the whole
of which amount was at this time appropriated by the Parish. In the

same year the accounts record : " By money paid in full for the lease
of the Castle Tavern to the Chamber of London 22nd Dec, 1649,
and 5th Jan., 1650, the summe of ^100." This was paid out of a
fine of ^150 received for the " Queene's Head." (Busby's property.)

Since 1760, a lease of this part of the ground has been regularly
renewed every 14 years by the Corporation on the payment by the
Parish of a fine of seven years' rental — ^25 per annum — ^175.
The Parish sublet the ground, the profits arising therefrom being
placed to the credit of the Parish Rents Account.

The next addition to the Churchyard was made probably not long

before 1613, for in the City "Chamberlain's" accounts for that year

there is the following entry : —

The Vicar, Churchwardens, and Parishioners of St. Giles Without Cripplegate for
a piece of void ground or walk on the north part of the Citties wall there and for the
rest of the ground adjoyning to the wall of the Churchyard there demised to the said
Vicar and Churchwardens for 49 years from Midsomer 1613. Rent ,£5 per annum.

The ditch, shown by Aggas' Map in 1556 as a running stream, had thus
soon become a "walk." (See C on plan.)

Previous to 1655, there had been some re-arrangement of the leases,
for in that year the following entry occurs. " On the 14th day of May
1655 there was carried out of the chest in the Quest House the sum of
one hundred and four score pounds, which was paid into the Chamber
of London for the lease of the Castle Tavern and Churchyard being
taken for 61 years from Midsummer 1655."

In 1662, more ground was added between Crowders Well (I on plan)
on the south, and the south-western part of the original Churchyard, for
we read that " There shall be borrowed by the Churchwardens the sum
of ;£ioo for 6 months towards the fine of the lease of the ground
by Crowders Well, for a buriall place lately granted by the City."
(See D on plan.)

As the population increased, the need of more burying ground
became urgent, especially as the Plague annually carried off hundreds
of the inhabitants. In 21 years — 1647 to 1667 — over 28,000 burials are
registered as having taken place in the Parish burial grounds Additional
ground was added, for we find on 14th June, 1664 (see E on plan) —

"That the Churchwardens doe carry in the .£120 to the Chamber of London for the
lease of the ground behind Crowleys (Crowthers) Well."

192 St. Giles, Cripp legate.

In January, 1665-6, orders were given to treat about houses and grounds
in Churchyard Alley for enlarging the burial ground, and in October, 1666,
ground in Crowder's Well Alley is reported out of lease, evidently Parish
property, and is ordered to be added to the Churchyard. {See F on plan.)

The whole was consecrated in 1667 by the late Vicar, Dr. Dolben,
now Bishop of Rochester. This part has been known since as the
Green Churchyard — it is the long strip shown on the plan running south
from the corner of the Bastion between the City Wall and Well Street,
measuring 170 feet in length by 35 feet in breadth.

July, 1 72 1. — The lease was renewed at £5 per annum rent, and £2 to be given to
the poor.

Oct., 1667. — It is ordered, "That the fees in the Churchyard newly consecrated be
the same as in the old Churchyard and that the graves be dug 6 feet deep."

In addition to the ground lying about the Church, the Parish was then
in possession of two other burial grounds — one known as the Bear and
Ragged Staff or the Whitecross Street burial ground, situated on the left
hand side of that street, about half way between Barbican and Old Street.
We cannot trace when this was consecrated, but an entry in the Burial
Registers, 29th February, 1636, "buried in our newe Churchyard the first"
probably refers to this ground. Previous to 1664 it must have been
largely used, as in that year it was ordered " to be closed for ten years."
It was not therefore available during the great Plague year. This ground
was known as the Upper Churchyard, and, as will be seen by " the rates
of Church Duties," the fees were lower than around the Church.

1664. — Ordered, "That any one burying in the Upper Churchyard pay a penalty of
£3 to the use of the Vicar and Churchwardens of the Parish."

The other ground was called the Pest House ground, and was situated
adjoining to Allen's Almshouses on the east, " nye " Old Street, and
formerly called the " Irish Field." This was consecrated in 1662. In
the accounts for that year occurs the following : —

Paid to Mr. Wilson for twelve pounds of biskitts at the consecrating Churchyard, 14s.

Cost of brickwork round the Churchyard, £2>\.

Fitting up a shelter in rainy weather, £6 10s.

Measuring the walls, Js. 6d.

The Pest House ground was used chiefly for the burial of the very
poor, and in 1665 many of the dead bodies were buried there, large pits
being dug for their reception. In 1667 it was closed for seven years.
The fees at this ground were very low, meanwhile the Churchwardens
had power to grant free burial, at first with the proviso that the body
was buried without a coffin.

The Churchyard. 193

Aug., 1672.— When anyone begs the burying ground of the Churchwardens, if the
said persons v :11 bury in a coffin he or they shall pay the full dues of burialls according
to the table of fees or Church duties, but if they bury in a sheet only the fees shall be
remitted at the discretion of the Churchwardens.

Possibly all four Churchwardens using their discretion, caused, as the
Vestry thought, too many free burials, for after the re-opening of the
Churchyards in 1674, in

Feb., 1675.— It is ordered, "that only the Senior Churchwarden doe give only the
ground to such persons (as above) and this to be strictly observed according to the true
meaning and interest thereof."

And later in the same year it is ordered that

" Free ground only at the Pest House to such as are not able to pay the same, not
meddling with, nor granting any other dues according to the former order of the Vestry."

Aug., 1683. — Ordered, "That the Pest House be closed for a month, ground to be
levelled and dues at Whitecross Street to be lowered for the poor at discretion of the
Churchwardens. "

In 1 69 1, the order as to coffins was rescinded, as follows : —

June, 1691. — Ordered, "That the fees for Vicar, Clark and Sexton be taken for all
buried out of the Parish the same as if buried in it, except for Tindalls and Bethlem."

" That all such persons who shall hereafter be buried in the Pest House ground, for
whom the fees shall be begged off and remitted shall and may be buried in coffins
any order of Vestry or custom to the contrary notwithstanding."

Returning to the Churchyard adjoining the Church. This was
evidently at one time open to the public and unprotected, for after
the Vestry was re-organized in 1659, in September of the same year
an order was made " that a paire of new gates to the lower Churchyard
be forthwith made and sett upp in the most convenient place," this gate-
way is afterwards described as the "Great Gateway." It is the same
that now stands facing Redcross Street. In 1678 a lease of the houses
between it and the Church Porch was granted to John Pine (the Vestry
Clerk) with liberty " to build over the Churchyard gate."

Some entries concerning the cost of the gateway : —

1660. — Carpenter, Churchyard Gate and other work done for the Parish, ,£14.

Plumber, 135-.

Bricks, Lyme, Tiles, Sand and Workmanship about the Churchyard Gate. £l\ Js, Cm.

Mason, Churchyard Gate, ^33.

1 66 1. — Painter for painting the Gates, £1.

The cost of the gate was paid out of the fine received from the
renewal of a lease of houses in Sugar Loaf Court.

This gate may be described as a heavy round headed arch, the
spandrels being occupied by an hour glass, a scythe, Death's head and
crossbones, and other emblems of mortality.

194

Sf. Giles, Cripplegate.

One cannot but think of what changes in men and manners it must
have seen pass under its sombre portals, and what an awful baptism it
received soon after its erection. Happily, burials have ceased in the
Churchyard and the entrance now is to the pleasantest Churchyard in
the City, instead of, as but a few years back, to the dreariest.

j^S "...."/■'

THE "GREAT GATEWAY," LEADING INTO ST. GILES' CHURCHYARD.

During the time of the Civil War, the Churchyard was used for military
training. At the first Vestry after the re-organisation, the first entry
in the Minute Book is as follows (see pp. 162-163) : —

April, 1659. — "That the military training be discontinued in the Churchyard, but
that it may be continued till Michaelmas next and no longer, provided they do nothing
prejudicial to the Churchyard."

At the same meeting it was resolved (nem. con.),

"That all the doors of the tenements in the little Churchyard be shut up, that
there shall be no passage from them into the Churchyard. "

This same trouble with the doors has occurred in our own days, but
by paying a nominal rent, the Vestry grant, on sufferance, the use of a
back entrance. The Vestry had constant trouble in protecting the
Churchyard from encroachments of one kind or another.

In 1763, it was found that a house was built on the land just leased to
the Parish by the City (near the site of the gate which had been just
removed), and that it was three feet into the Churchyard beyond the
plan. The Vestry were easy and allowed it to stand on the payment
of a fine of £$. Various attempts have at times since been made to
encroach on the Churchyard, but the constant vigilance now practised
by the Vestry renders any further inroads impossible.

Returning to some of the entries in the Minute Books : —

May, 1665. — Ordered, "That no more clothes be dried in the Churchyard next the
Church." And "All back doors coming out of the dwelling houses into the Church-
yard be made up and no further use made of or for going in or out after Midsummer
day next, the Castle Tavern alone excepted for the use of the Parish." "No boys
to be allowed to go out that way."

The partition in the Churchyard to be taken down between this and Midsomer
day next.

That the raine or any other water that falleth from any of the houses shall be by
those that therein are concerned carried some other way.

Sept., 1670. — Ordered, "That whereas an order made in the year 1665 that all the
back doors opening into the Churchyard next the Church except the backe door of the
Castle Tavern for the use of the Parish, should be shut up and no passage into the said
Churchyard through the same the which order hath been broken and not kept, It is
therefore thought fitt and ordered again that the former order shall be observed and
kept as it was first intended to the full and that the fence or pales that was by
Mr- Thomas Alcocke set up at the East end of the Church be forthwith taken down
and ye little Churchyard laid open to the other as hath been heretofore."

Mar. 27, 1674. — Ordered, "That whereas part of the Churchyard wall is fallen
down the present securing of it from further decay and of the brickes fallen be left to
the discretion of the Churchwarden."

April 6, 1674. — " That the Chwns' do forthwith treat with two or three Carpentors
concerning what the charge might amount to for the fencing raleing and paleing of the
Churchyard in and to make their report of the charge thereof to the next Vestry of
the same."

April 22, 1674.— That the four chwns- with 2 more " doe forthwith treate and agree
with workmen concerning the fencing rayleing or payleing of the Churchyard in to the
best advantage and the charge thereof to be allowed in their accts-"

May 21, 1674. — " That the late Chwns- do forthwith pay unto . . . Carpenters
for the fencing of the Churchyard in the summe of fortie pounds little more or less
according to the agreement which was made between the Chw"- and Carpentors. '

O 2

196 St. Giles, Cripplegate.

Sept., 1676. — Ordered, "That the Churchwardens do take care forthwith to remove
the rales and poles in the little Churchyard and set them so close to their doors that
they may but just open them."

Feb., 1676-7. — Ordered, "That there be no back lights allowed into the little
Churchyard but to continue as they are now remaining."

March, 1686. —Ordered, " That all the back doors belonging to the Churchyard be
stopt or shut up except those who have leases."

For the purpose of keeping the Mortuary moneys in the Parish, it is
ordered —

" That the Clerk do not give any certificate for the burial of any corpse which shall
be buried either at Mr. Tindall's ground [Bunhill Fields] or at Bethlem [the south-east
corner of Moorfields in or adjoining the parish of St. Botolph Bishopsgate], untill he
or she or they do pay the sum of 6s. 6d. also I2d. for the certificate according to the
duties of the Church yard in Whitecross Street and in case the said Clerk do not
observe this order he shall pay the same sum as if he had received it."

Aug., 1703. — Ordered " That a Committee do enquire out a piece of ground for a
burial place and report. "

Four years previously (September, 1699) a proposal was made to take a
lease of waste ground in Butler's Alley, in Grub Street, "to make a burial
place for the dead." Neither Committee seem to have obtained ground for
the purpose, but almost every autumn the Vestry woke up to the impor-
tance of obtaining additional burying ground when, from the imperfect
sanitary arrangements, Plague and fever would be most rife in the Parish.

Sept., 1703. — The Pest House is reported full.

May, 1706. — A " bone house" is ordered to be erected in the Churchyard.

May, 1707. — Ordered "That Burials in the Churchyard are to take place between
the south west corner of the Church steeple and the bone house till the same ground
shall be filled up six feet deep. "

July, 1 7 10. — Five shillings to be paid for attending any corpse after ten at night.

March, 17 14. — -That the Churchyard be forthwith cleansed and levelled by the
Churchwardens and that the Sextonesse do take care to keep it clean and that the
back doores into the said Church yard be railed up only that to the Castle Tavern,
where a Hatch shall be allowed on condition that it be constantly kept locked.

Nov., 1721. — Ordered " That the graves be dug six feet deep where it may be done
and to be filled up every night and two feet of earth to be left on the upper corpse in
each grave to avoid infection. "

April 15, 1745. — "That the Churchwardens do pay for taking up and new laying
all the old Gravestones and pavement on the south side of the Church in the Church-
yard after the rate of 2d. per foot for raising and levelling the old ground and yd. per
foot for the new pavement in finding stone &c. and he is to use up all the old stone
that shall be needful and to employ labourers to level the ground."

Nov. 13, 1765. — "That the stone pavement in the Churchyard on the south side of
the Church be taken up and relaid."

The following scale of fees, or Church duties, taken from an original
bill, printed in 1644, now in the Guildhall Library may be found
interesting. An indication of the times is apparent in the first line : —

The Churchyard.

197

GILES . CRIPLEGATE.

The Particulars of the R
Meeting of the

For Burialls in the upper
Churchyard

Whereof to the Minister -

To the Clerke

To the Sexton for the Bell
and Gravemaking - - -

To the Parish

For Burialls in the lower
Churchyard with a Coffin
or without a Coffin for
any above seven yeares
of age

If under seven yeares of age
with a Coffin or without

a Coffin

Out of the aforesaid five
shillings or foure shil-
lings, to the Minister
that doth officiate - - -

To the Clerk

To the Sexton

To the Gravemaker - - -

And the remainder to the
Parish which is 3 shillings
and 2 shillings.
For Burialls in the Church for
any above seven years of
age

For any under seven years

of age

Out of the abovesaid twenty
shillings or thirteene shil-
lings and foure pence
There is to the Poore- -

To the Minister - - - -

To the Clerk

To the Sexton

To the Gravemaker - - -

And the remainder to the
Parish which is Foure
shillings Eight pence, or
Eleaven shillings Foure
pence.
For the attendance before the
Corps to the Church or
Church-yard - - - -

To the Minister - - - -

To the Clark

To the Sexton

ates

Paris/i-

00 05 00

00 04 00

00 01
00 00
00 00
00 00

00 03

Church-Duties Agreed upon at a generall
The fourth of November 1644.

And whosoever please may
have the Minister, Clerk,
or Sexton alone.
For any of the clothes that
cover the Corps of the dead,
they are freely lent without
any pay whatsoever. Only
what you please to give the
Sexton for his labour to
bring it.

For burying of Strangers that
are brought out of other
Parishes the Duties are
double.

For the Belles to the .Sexton
as formerly ; that is to say,
for the second bell 4</. for the
third bell 6d. for the fourth
bell &/. for the fifth bell io</.
for the sixth bell nd.
For the Belles to the Parish
as formerly; that is to say, for
Knells : The Knell of the
second bell 2s. whereof to the
Sexton 4</. The knell of the
third bell 2s- whereof to the
Sexton 6d. The knell of the
fourth Bell 4^. whereof to the
Sexton iod. The knell of the
sixt bell 6.r. Sd. whereof to the
Sexton 1 2d.

For Weddings with Baines
For the Minister - - -
To the Clerke - - - -
To the Sexton - - - -
For Weddings with Licenses
Whereof to the Poore -
To the Minister - - -
To the Clerk - - - -
To the Sexton - - - -
The Clerks wages quarterly

for every House - I

Here follow the names of the four Church-
wardens beginning with Major Robert
Maynwaring and 26 Vestrymen begin-
ning with John Great, Debuty.

00 02 00
1 o

6 8

3 4

1 8

1 o

London : Printed by Tho. Paine in Gold-
smiths Alley — 1644.

198 St. Gi/es, Cripplegate.

The fees were altered from time to time, and the Churchwardens were
allowed to use discretion in the matter.

In addition to the burials in the Churchyards, numerous persons were
buried in the Church. Several instances are given under head of Monu-
ments. Many persons of rank and distinction were buried within the
walls. The majority of those whose names are mentioned in the extracts
from the Registers were buried here, and it would seem that as the
burial ground became scarce outside, so there was a greater pressure for
burial within the Church. As has been shown, the fee for burial in 1644
was £1, of this a noble (6s. Sd.) was for the poor.

1648. — Abated for 24 Burialls in the Church 24 Nobles (,£8) to be given
to the poore remaineth ......

1657. — Paid to the poore out of the Buriall Monies
1659. — Paid to the poor out of the Burials in the Church
1660. — Paid to the poor out of burialls

£ s. J.

1661.—

Do.

do.

1662. —

Do.

do.

1663.—

Do.

do.

1664.—

Do.

do.

1665.-

Do.

do.

1666.—

Do.

do.

1667.—

Do.

do.

1 668.—

Do.

do.

The Parish paid for the tiles and tiling of the graves, and from these
entries in the accounts we can ascertain the numbers buried in the
Church. In twenty years— from the year 1648 to 1668 — 1,200
burials took place. Over 180 in the Plague year. Interments in the
Church — as in the case of the Churchyard — continued to be made
almost down to our own times, but in reduced numbers, as the fees
were raised. We can but picture and shudder at the awful charnel
house below our bright and pleasant Church.

The fees for burial in the Church were always considerably higher
than outside, and penalties and restrictions were constantly being en-
forced for the purpose of preventing too many burials, and for obtaining
money for the Poor.

From an entry in the Minute Book, 28th September, 1665, it would
appear that the custom of burying the dead under the pews of the
Church had been introduced, for it is ordered —

That " No one be buried under a pew in the Church unless the parties concerned at
their own proper cost and charges lay the same down again."

The Churchyard. 199

How full of danger this was may be seen from this, when only the
chancel was tiled, and perhaps the aisles; and one can hardly wonder
at plague and fever being rife when, without any pavement or boarding,
there lay a corpse — possibly dead of a most infectious disease — within a
few inches of the feet of the worshipper in a tall and stuffy pew.

In 1666 an additional restriction, in the shape of payment, is enforced,
for it was ordered "that no person be buried in the Church but the
knell of the great bell be paid for whether itte be rung or not."

In 1673 it is ordered "that 6s. 8d. extra be charged for burying under
a pew, and the Churchwardens to be responsible for the pew being
replaced." Possibly when this was left to the deceased's friends it was
not properly done.

In February, 1674, the fees were raised to 25*. In 1705 the fees were
raised to ^5 ; and again in 1764 it was ordered "that the fee for burying
under a pew in the Church to be paid by a parishioner of this parish
from henceforth be ;£io."

Although the fee for burial in the Church was subsequently raised to
;£i8, numbers of interments still took place about the end of the last
century, for the side aisles are completely paved with stones of that time.
To some extent they continued to the middle of the present century.
In 1828 it was ordered "that all interments within the Church be in
lead or other metal coffins, ,£15 to be paid to the Parish, exclusive of
Vicar's or other fees."

On 24th September, 18 19, the following protest was made by the

Vestry (25 members, in addition to the Churchwardens, being present)

and ordered to be sent to the public papers, and to be circulated

throughout the Parish : —

" In consequence of a vote of censure having been passed on the Churchwardens of
this Parish at a meeting held in the Churchyard on Monday last for taking into con-
sideration the conduct of the Magistrates and Yeomanry at Manchester [the Peterloo
'Massacre'] on 16th August last to which the most extensive circulation has been
given, This Vestry feel themselves compelled to state that the entire custody and
preservation of the property of the Church is invested in the hands of the Church-
wardens for the time being with the co-operation of the Vicar, and that they consider
it extremely improper at any time for the Church to be used for the purpose of political
discussion, the more particularly so when anonymous notices of the meeting had been
so publicly and industriously advertised and placarded without the knowledge of the
Churchwardens, which together with the circumstance of such meeting being held on
a Monday was calculated to draw together an immense number of persons indis-
criminately and consequently be the means of materially damaging the Church and
the property contained therein —

200 St. Giles, Cripplegate.

"This Vestry consider 'that the Churchwardens have acted with strict propriety
and with a conscientious discharge of their duty, in not permitting the Church to be
used on that occasion and that they are justly entitled to the approval and thanks of
this Vestry which are hereby offered tc them.' "

On 8th August, 1822, the following orders were made : —

"That the Sexton is to look carefully after the Churchyard and the Parish Beadle to
attend to all funerals therein for the preservation of good order."

" That children are to be prevented from playing in the Churchyard."

"That those inhabitants of the Parish who have hitherto had access thereto by
sufferance, be particularly requested to guard against any complaint ; or the doorways
into the Churchyard will be stopped up."

" That all Cattle or Poultry found in the Churchyard will be immediately taken to
the Green Yard."

"These orders to be sent to all persons having doors or windows into the
Churchyard."

Mar. 27, 1826. — " That the Churchyard door in Well Street and the Churchyard
door in Fore Street be opened every Sunday morning half an hour before Divine
Service and to be kept open half an hour after such service."

Many inhabitants of the Parish still remember interments taking place
both in the Church and in the Churchyard.

From engravings in the Guildhall Library we can picture the general
appearance of the Churchyard during the first half of the present
century. Paths intersect it in all directions, without, however, there
being any thoroughfare. The crowded appearance of the tomb stones
give the beholder a clearer idea of its being " God's Acre " than at
the present time when all the stones are levelled, and the ground
covered with earth — and shrubs and flowers grow luxuriantly over the
remains of the dead.

A few years after the cessation of interments the ground was levelled,
and care taken to give the place a more cheerful appearance — but for
some time after it was noted as being the most dismal Churchyard in
the City. Of late years this has been changed, and it is now universally
acknowledged to be one of the most pleasant and cheerful. As has been
noted, there was no thoroughfare through the Churchyard — in fact, the
gate in Fore Street (the only entrance in recent times) was only opened
for a few hours on Sundays, and closed the rest of the week. But in 1877,
in consequence of the opening of "Australian Avenue," and the greater
extension of the Wood Street trade into the Parish, it became desirable
to make a path across the Churchyard from Monkwell Street and its
vicinity. The Vestry put themselves in communication with the City

authorities with the result that in 1880 a passage was made through the
Churchyard with entrances in Fore Street, Jewin Street, and Monkwell
Street, as shown by dotted lines on plan of Churchyard. The Parish
now pays to the City Chamberlain the nominal annual rent of £$ for
the portions of the Churchyard originally leased from the Corporation.

A portion of the Old City Wall in the form of a Bastion, stands at the
South-west corner of the Churchyard, and is in an excellent state of
preservation. It measures nearly 36 feet across, and, though originally
much higher, stands now, in consequence of the filling in of the City
Ditch and the raising of the Churchyard, only 12 feet above the level
of the surrounding ground. In appearance it is strikingly picturesque
and is a constant source of interest to the antiquary.

THE POOR OF THE PARISH.

rPHE Parish of St. Giles from the earliest times has had, perhaps more
J- than any other City Parish, "the Poor always in it." No doubt, as
was the case in the rest of the kingdom, their necessities were provided
for by the many monastic and religious institutions until the suppression
of these by Henry VIII. From that time, in spite of the earlier attempts
in Elizabeth's reign to provide relief, down to the great Act of Parliament
of the 43rd year of her reign, the poor had a sorry time of it.

But when the above-named Act came into force we find that not only
were the householders of the Parish regularly assessed to the relief of
the Poor, but that richer Parishes had the duty cast upon them to assess
themselves for the assistance of poorer Parishes. This was called the "rate
in aid" clause. The parish of St. Giles was assisted for several years by the
comparatively rich Parish of St. Margaret, Lothbury. In Dr. Freshfield's
book on the affairs of that Parish, we find the following entries : —

1656. — Paid to Cripplegate Collectores and Churchwardens, £8 lay.

1659. — Paid to Cripplegate per annum, £S 10s.

1661. — Paid to Cripplegate Parish, £8 10s.

1663. — Paid more to Cripplegate, £9 35. a,d.

In the year 1659 St. Margaret's collection for the Poor amounted to

^43 $s. 4<f., of which £% 10s.— a large proportion of the total amount — ■

went to Cripplegate. There can be no doubt but that from the time of

the passing of the Act in 1601 until the year 1725 at least, Cripplegate

was assisted by other City Parishes. An " Augmentation " List for St.

Giles is given in " Maitland's London " (edition 1739), as follows : —

Christ Church

St. Dionis Back Church

St. Dunstan in West -

St. Gregory's

St. Lawrence Jewry -

St. Margaret's, Lothbury

St. Mary, Aldermanbury

St. Mary, Hill -

The Act 43rd Elizabeth was the foundation of all future attempts at

dealing with the relief of the Poor ; and the particular clause quoted

on next page, seems to be the first attempt at equalising the Poor Rate.

■£4

St.

Mary le Bow

-£10

- 8

St.

Mary Magd., Milk Street

■ 3

- 10

St.

Michael's, Bassishaw -

- 6

- 8

St.

Michael's, Comhill

- 5

St.

Mildred's. Bread Street

- 5

• 3

St.

Nicholas, How -

- 6

- 4

St.

Olave, Hart Street

- 3

204 St. Giles, Cripp legate.

That if two Justices of the Peace do perceive that the inhabitants of any Parish are
not able to levy among themselves sufficient sums of money for the Relief of their Poor,
The said Justices shall and may tax rate and assess as aforesaid any other of the Parishes,
to pay such sums of money to the Churchwarden and Overseers of the said poor Parish.

In the City Parishes the Lord Mayor and another Justice discharged
this duty. The assessments were under the charge of the Overseers, and
in the case of St. Giles are not entered in the Churchwardens' accounts,
but in the minutes of 1693 it is —

Ordered, "That 2CW. and not more yearly be allowed to the overseers of the poor
for and towards their charges and expenses in collecting and gathering the augmenta-
tion money out of the City."

1 7 18. — Committee appointed to assist in getting the monies yet unpaid in last year's
augmentation roll.

From the Churchwardens' accounts we obtain glimpses of other
means of relieving the necessities of the Poor — such were the "Mortuary"
and " Pall " monies, and charitable bequests.

The Mortuary money was the net balance of the Burial dues. After
the Minister, Clerk, and Sexton had received their fees, and all expenses
in keeping up the Burial ground had been met, the balance was entered
in the Grand Account as " Mortuaries," and if in that account the
receipts were greater than the expenditure, the balance was given to the
Poor. The amount so given was therefore somewhat precarious.

1659. — Ordered, " That the balance of [the Churchwardens' accounts] ^40 2s. *]d.
be divided "considering the present necessity of the poor."

1660. — " The balance [on the Churchwardens' accounts] of ^50 to be taken out of
the Chest and divided among the necessitous poor, ^25 to the Freedom and ^25 to the
Lordship."

The following extracts from the early Churchwardens' accounts, show
the amount then received from the Hearse Cloth and Pall monies : —

1663. — .£14 I5-S". 6d. From 16th June, 1664, to 22nd December,
1665, £3 gs. 6d., the amount is small, due probably to the fact that,
during the Plague time the "trappings of woe" were of little account,
the reality being so great. From December, 1665, to March, 1666,
the amount increased, probably owing to the collection of some arrears,
^13 55. 6d. ; for the remainder of 1666,^11 $s. od., 1667, ^16 4s. od.
1668, ^19 gs. od. So it will be seen that Hearse Cloths and Pall monies
were for a considerable time a fruitful source of revenue in aid of the Poor.
The minutes of the Vestry on the subject will be found interesting : —

June 3, 1659. — Resolved "That there be a very grand hearse cloth bought, the
cloth not exceeding twenty shillings a yard."

1660. — Paid the Sexton for the Hearse Cloth he bought £% gs. 6d.

The Poor of the Parish. 205

Nov. 23, 1677. — Ordered, " That the Churchwardens take care forthwith to buy a
new hearse cloth, and them that make use of it to pay the sum of two shillings and
sixpence."

1 68 1. — " Mr. Thomas Bell, surgeon having left a velvet pall to the Parish to be let
out at funerals the Vestry order 'that the said pall shall not be let out to any person or
persons whatsoever under ten shillings. ' "

Oct. T2, 1685. — It was ordered "That if any person make use of any pall either in
our Parish Church or Churchyard, except our Parish Pall, he, she or they shall pay ten
shillings more for the use of the poor of the Parish if in the Church, and eight shillings
more if in the Churchyard above the common dues."

The Vestry in endeavouring to promote this, to us a novel mode of
raising money for the Poor, put out an elaborate set of fees and resorted
o advertising their Palls.

Oct. 26, 1686. — " Ordered by the Generall consent of the Gentlemen of the Vestry
that a rate or prize shall be laid out or set upon each velvet Pall as followeth : —

"The Pall that Mr- Thos- Bell decd- left, the profitts thereby arising is for the use of
the Poor as likewise all the rest are which said pall shall not be lett out to any person
or persons whatsoever under I or. each time and as for —

" The 4 New Velvet Palls which was bought by the Churchwardens and Ancients of
this Parish with money which was freely given by the Minister, Churchwardens, Ancient
Vestrymen and other Gentlemen of the said pish- for a further Ogmentation or relief of
the Poor therein, The rate or prizes of each of the said four new Palls shall not be
let out to any person or persons whatsoever under icw., the next Pall to that being
something lesser the rate or Prize shall be 8.r. , the next to that for children about four
or five years 5s. and the least Pall for younger children not under 2s 6d.

Ordered, "That Mr. Nathan Green Churchwarden take care there be about one
thousand tickets printed forthwith, and that the rates or prices of each pall be expressed
thereon and that Thomas Charlye disperse the said tickets amongst the inhabitants of
this parish on his collecting the tithes for Dr. Fowler, whereby the said inhabitants
may be generally informed where to have velvet palls without going further for them."

"Ordered that the rates or Prizes of the Black hearse cloathes shall be as
followeth : —

" The new largest and Biggest cloaths shall not be let out to any person or persons
whatsoever under 2s. 6d. and the next new cloth being not altogether so bigg or large
as the other shall not be lett out under 2s. and as for the former best cloath which used
to be lett out at 2s. 6d. being now very much worne shall be let out at is. 6d. and the
other cloath at is. and as for the two other cloathes being the oldest and worst, to be
lent gratis to these poor people who are not able to pay for the use of any of the
others."

Ordered, "That there be one shilling deducted out of the new largest and biggest
Velvet Pall every time and so often as there shall be occasion for the same to be made
use of, likewise 6d. out of the 8s. pall and the like out of the $s. Pall to lay up in
Banke whereby to raise a stock for Provision of more new velvet Palls when occasion
requires and that John Pine Vestry Clerk do receive the said summe for the use above-
said and that there be a booke bought forthwith for the entrance of the same and for
the entrance of the names of those gentlemen and what each person gave freely towards
the buying of the said new velvet Palls and the charges thereof to be allowed Mr- N. G.
in his Grand Accompts.

That Mary Ayres, the late sexton's widow do receive for her care trouble and pains
in lookeing after the Palls viz. is. out of the new largest and biggest velvet Pall every
time and so often as the said pall shall be made use of alsoe sixpence out of each of
the other three palls when and so often as they or any of them shall be made use of.

Mar. 28, 1690. — Whereas by a late order of Vestry dat : 26th October 1686 it was
(inter alia) ordered "That the Velvelt Pall which Mr- Thos- Bell decd- gave and left
the Parish should not be let out at any time under ioj. and likewise the best and
largest Pall of the four Parish Palls not under lew. and the next to it not under 8.f. as
by the said recited order may appear. And whereas there are now severall persons
within this Parish who keepe velvet Palls and let the same out at rates lower than and
under the rates of the above mentioned Palls which very much hinders the Profitt and
income of the said Palls and so consequently becomes disadvantageous and detrimental!
to the Poor of this Parish for the redressing of which it is therefore ordered " that the
sd- recited order in every clause and thing wherein it relates to the above sd- Palls shall
from henceforward be void null and of none effect. And for the future that the two
Palls above mentioned to be let at icw. each Pall, shall either and each of them be lett
out at any rate or price under 10s. and not under 6.r. at the discretion of the Sexton for
the time being of the Parish, and the said Palls above mentioned to be let at 8s. shall
be let out at any rate or prize under 8s. and not under $s. at the discretion likewise of
the said Sexton for the tyme being.

"The Sexton to keep a register of name surname place of abode together with rates
prices day of the month and year of all and every such Person or Persons to whom the
Palls shall be let out. And to give an account monthly or oftener if reqd- to the
Vestrymen and Churchwardens for the time being, who shall do and make satisfaction
to the Sexton at their discretion."

This source of Revenue probably had been overdriven and had now

reached its height, for the minutes say : —

April 6, 1691. —The Vestry order that " The 5s. pall be let out at 3s. a time and the
2s. 6d. pall be let out at 2s. a time and if any other pall than the parish pall shall be
used for any resident in the Parish, double burial dues shall be paid, tickets to be
printed and circulated announcing this."

By this time the Palls seem to scarcely cover their cost : —

April 11, 1705. — That the Churchwardens do receive of Mr- Barnsley the Clerke
and that he doe pay them the money received by him for the use of the palls towards
reimbursing them what the same cost them to their going out.

The Parish now retires from the business in Palls : —

Feb. 15, 1742. — That four of the Velvet Palls be sold by the Churchwardens for the
most money that can be got for them and that the second best Pall be sent to the
Workhouse and kept there for the use of the Poor people that shall be buried therefrom.

Another source of revenue for supplying the wants of the poor was in
the Fines, received from parishioners, who, on being duly elected, refused
to serve the various public offices. This was very intermittent. In some
years, such as in 1698 and 1712, a large sum was received, and again
occasionally for several successive years little or nothing from this source.

Returning to assessments under the Poor Law, there is in the Bodleian
Library a roll of eight membranes, being an assessment for the relief

The Poor of the Parish. 207

of the poor for the precincts of Red and Whitecross Streets, in the Ward

of Cripplegate Without, for three months, after the rate of ,£143 14J. 6d.

per month from 25th December, 1682.

1691. — " The Freedom part of the Parish had the right of placing poor persons in the
Weavers' Almshouses at Shoreditch, and the Vestry bind themselves to keep the Poor
of Shoreditch free of all expense for these poor people beyond the charity of the
Weavers' Company."

The Poor were lodged in some of the Parish houses; in 1692 they
were in Sworder's rents in Fore Street.

June 20, 1699. — £$0 voted for stock to set the poor to work.

April 1, 1700. — Ordered, "That any bedding that shall happen to come into the
hands of the Churchwardens or Overseers, of or from any poor people deceasing shall
be sent to the Workhouse in Beech Lane to be disposed of to the use of the Poor
thereof as the assistants of the said Workhouse shall appoint."

April 23, 1700. — "That the overseers and directors of the workhouse in Beech
Lane do distribute the money received from the overseers of the Parish weekly to the
poor people employed in the said workhouse."

April 6, 1702. — Ordered, "That the ^50 [borrowed to set the poor to work] and
interest be paid and discharged out of the profits of the workhouse."

In 1 7 10, the Parish owned some houses in Plow Court, Barbican,

and a question seems to have arisen whether the poor should be lodged

in them, as, if so, a report naively remarks, " there will be no occasion

to repaire them, otherwise there will be."

July, 17 12. — It was ordered, "That the present Churchwarden Mr. Carr, take care
that two persons may lie together in one bed and that two beds may be put into one
room where they are large enough for two beds."

An exceedingly vivid picture of the state of the Parish and the relief
given to the Poor is shown in the Churchwardens' Accounts of 1725 and
1742 ; the details of the payments are painfully clear, and in many
instances unfit for publication.

In the minutes of the Vestry for September, 17 13, we find the
following : —

Ordered, " That the several persons hereafter named be severally rated weekly to
the poor as follows " : —

Joshua Wilson

- 4,/.

Thomas Greenwod -

2d.

Elisha Coysh -

- Ad.

John Skinner -

2d.

Martha Maddon

- Ad.

Dennis Gutteridge -

2d.

Madam Hope -

tyi.

Mary Thorne -

\\d.

Elizabeth Collier

- 4,/.

Widow Tarret -

id.

Edward Hutchnor -

- tf.

Robert Baker -

id.

John Willis -

- y-

John Davis

id.

Charles Page -

z\d.

John Hunt

id.

John Irne

z\d.

Widow Furney

id.

Samuel Kintal -

zd.

Samuel Swift -

\d.

These were probably " new comers " into the parish.

208 St. Giles, Cripp legate.

Sept., 1713. — Ordered, " That the Churchwarden be desired to acquaint Mr. Justice
Feast that though he be raised gd. per week to the poor rate yet it is left to himself
what he will please to pay."

In May, 1714 — It is ordered, "That Apothecaries and Surgeons pay $d. per week
poor rates."

Between this time and 1730, a difference in the mode of assessing
takes place, for we find in

April, 1730. — " A Rate is ordered to be made of is. 6d. in the Pound on land and
tenements, and $s. on every ,£100 personal estate, be levied for the relief of the poor."

April 7, 1714. — Ordered, "That a workhouse be provided."

1721. — Ordered, " That rooms in Sugar Loafe Court be put in order to receive the
poor."

A regular Workhouse was established in Sugar Loaf Court, Moor
Lane, in 1725, and the following extracts from the Minutes of the
Vestry are given in connection with it : —

Jan., 1738-9. — That in future Mr. Rossal be paid ^10 a year for reading prayers
twice a week at the workhouse and that he do attend in his Canonical robes.

June 19, 1739. — Ordered, "That the Churchwardens do pay Thornborrow 51.?.
being his bills for phisik administered to the late Master and present Mistress of the
Workhouse [first established in 1725]. But that in future the Master and the Mistress
of the Workhouse shall be deemed and taken as a part of the household and shall not
be paid for separately but be included in the salary paid to the Apothecary.

Aug. 20, 1740. — " Any person willing to be employed in setting the poor of this
Parish to work in the Workhouse and to reside there at a yearly salary may give in
proposals."

The Vestry approved of the proposals of S. D. who is hereby elected Arts Master,
to keep the poor to work in the Workhouse, and he is to reside there, and is to have
for and in lieu of his salary, one-fourth part of theneate produce of the labour of the said
poor, and one-fourth part of the wages of such as shall go out to work if the Com-
mittee shall at any time think proper to send any of them out for that purpose.

Sept. 10, 1740. — A tender was accepted to supply the workhouse with good wether
mutton at is. iod. a stone, Ox beef the best at l*jd. a stone, stickings at i^d. a stone
and two legs and one shin of beef weekly at 2s. 8d. a stone.

June, 1742. — The Workhouse Apothecary's salary was raised to ^40 per annum on
the great increase of the poor — ordered that it be now lessened to ^30, number of poor
being now much decreased.

June 22, 1748. — An advertisement be inserted in the public papers that any person
or persons that are willing to undertake the maintenance of the poor in the workhouse
belonging to this Parish for one year may have the use of the said house with the goods
utensils and fixtures therein and may deliver their proposals in writing to the Church-
wardens or Vestry Clerk for that purpose.

Nothing seems to have come of this — as on May 12th, 1749, the
following entry occurs : —

"The Workhouse Committee to contract for Bread, Meat, and other things required."

A new Workhouse was built in 1758, and the cost was ordered to be
,£1,200.

The Poor of the Parish. 209

In March, 1783, the "Farming" of the Poor again comes up for
consideration and in June it is ordered "that the poor be ' Farmed,' and
proposals advertised for." The Vestry to meet on 3rd July. On that
date the Vestry decide " that the proposals be not opened and that the
order be not confirmed."

Coming nearer our own times we find the Workhouse in full operation
in Moor Lane, in 1833. Much discussion took place as to its efficient
management, and a report was brought up showing the number and
condition of the Inmates and work done by them. The report which
is contained in a Book in the Guildhall Library concerning the affairs of
the Parish, is as follows : —

49 Paupers above 70 years of age.

53 ), „ 60 ,, ,,

24 „ „ 5°

13 » >> 40

30 ,, between 20 and 40 years of age.

21 ,, Children.

The work done by them in six months is as follows : —

Shirts and Shifts made for Warehouses - - i)5So.
Jackets and Frocks ,, ,, - - 60.

Cotton wound into Balls ----- 2,998 lbs.
Horse-hair sorted and opened for the Trade - I3>554 ,,
Oakum picked 728 ,,

The funds left by various charitable donors were distributed on All-
hallows' Day and Good Friday, and consisted of complete suits of
wearing apparel for both men and women. Doles of coal and bread,
and also of small sums of money were paid, in some cases weekly, in
others monthly. The complete account of the cost of the gifts for the
two days named, is contained in the earliest existing Churchwarden's
book : the following is a verbatim copy : —

PROVISION FOR THE POOR AT ALHOLLANTIDE 1651.

Item, payd to Bartho: Webb for 5 wt broad cloths at £6 per cloth
Item, payd for two whit Carseys at forty nine shillings ^ peece -
Item, payd to Mrs- Powell for dying the 5 broad cloths and two carsyes -
Item, payd to Mrs- Powell for dressing the broad cloaths and Carsyes -
Item, payd for 6 peeces of black bayes at IIs- p. peece -
Item, payd for cutting out the gownes -
Item, payd for the taylors breakfasts

Item, payd for 25 ells of cannus for the gowns at nd- ^ ell
Item, payd for making 34 mens and women's gowns at 2/ p. peece
Item, payd for making 20 childrens coates at 8d- p. peece
Item, payd for buttons tape, and hookes and eyes for the gownes and
coates ------

Item, payd for 194 ells of lockrum at lo|A ¥ ell

1 1

rf.

2 1 o St. Giles, Cripplegate.

Item, payd more for 12 ells of lockrum at \o\A- p. ell -

Item, payd to the woemen for cutting out the shirts and smocks

Item, payd for the woemens breakfasts -----

Item, payd for making 72 shirtes & smockes at 4d- p. peece

Item, payd to Mr- Brackstone for 20 pr of stockings at 22d- ty pr

Item, payd to Mr- Baugh for 20 pr of shues at 2/6 ^ pr.

Item, payd to Mr- Kelly for a sermon uppon alhollan day 50/ viz*- the
guift of Mr- Langley 40/; the guift of Mr- Mason 7s- 4d- and the
guift of Mr- Day 2s- Sd- —in all 50s- 2

Item, payd to the Sexton as a guift the same day viz'- the guift of
Mr- Langley 2/6; the guift of Mr- Mason 20d- ; and the guift of
Mr- Day iod- ; in all 5/ - - - - - o

Item, payd the overplus of Mr- Langley's money to several poore people

whose names are entered in the booke for that accompte - - 16

PROVISION FOR THE POOR ON GOOD FRIDAY.

Item, payd for cutting out the gownes for the poor for good friday of

the remainder of the cloth that was left at alhollantide
Item, payd to Tho: Wilson for 2 peeces of bayes @ nd- ^ peece
Item, payd for the taylors breakfast .....

Item, payd for making 18 gowns at 2/ p. peece - - - -

Item, payd for 3 gownes ready made to make up the number -
Item, payd for hookes and eyes and tape for the gownes
Item, payd for 11 ells and a halfeof Cannus at nd- p. ell for ye gownes -
Item, payd to Willi Bovvyer for 4 peeces of lockrum conteyning 207

ells at ic4d- ^ ell -
Item, payd to the women for cutting out the shirts and smockes
Item, payd for theire breakfast ------

Item, payd for making 72 shirts & smockes at 4d- p. peece

Item, payd to Mr- Brackstone for 40 pr- of stockings @ 22d- p. pr.

Item, payd to Mr- Branch for 4 bibles at 6/ p. peece

Item, payd more for 6 testaments at 3/ p. peece - - - -

At one time these bequests were much more numerous than at present —
many having disappeared, and small ones merged into the larger. A
manuscript in the British Museum, dated 1686, contains a list of 280 dif-
ferent Charities connected with St. Giles, Cripplegate, mostly bequeathed
for the use of the Poor — many of these being for sums below ^2 yearly
value. At the present time by far the greater portion of the annual
income of the Parish Charities (about ^7,000) — managed by the Joint
Estate Trustees for St. Giles and St. Luke, and ,£700 by the Separate
Estate Trustees of St. Giles — is expended in indirect methods of
benefiting those for whom it was originally intended. The provisions
for this purpose are contained in two schemes of the Charity
Commissioners, both dated 21st December, 1877, regulating the bulk of
the public charities. These are about to undergo revision at the hands
of the Commissioners, under the powers of the City of London Parochial
Charities Act, 1883, by which extensive changes will be made.

The Poor of the Parish. 2 1 1

In addition to the legal relief of the poor, the main agencies in the
Parish for giving them assistance, arising from the public charities or
otherwise, are : —

1. — -"Staines' Almshouse Charity," founded and endowed in 1789,
by Mr. Staines (afterwards Alderman Sir William Staines), one of the
Common Councilmen for the Ward. This Charity now maintains seven
Alms-people in the Almshouse at Tottenham, each having an allowance
of £2 per month, and two tons of coals per annum. In addition there
are six females and four males, out-door pensioners, receiving, in varying
amounts individually, a sum of ^"5 1 is. Sd. per month. Candidates for
this Charity must have been resident householders of the Parish.

2. — The "Bequest Pensioners" number eleven, ten females and
one male, receiving 56 per week each. These are the survivors of the
recipients of the doles given before the schemes of 1S77 took effect.

3. — "The Cripplegate Pensioners." In the Separate Estates
Scheme of 1877, provision is made for the payment out of the Trust to
not than less twenty, nor more than twenty-four poor persons of either
sex, of good character, sixty years old at least (unless specially in-
capacitated by accident from earning their living), residents in the Parish,
who have not received parochial relief for one year previous to their
election. At the present time there are sixteen females, and six males,
receiving ^25 per annum each.

4. — "Sir Benjamin Maddox's and Palmer's Gift." The former
giving a pension of ,£14 to one poor woman, and the latter £S per
annum to another. These are also survivors of old modes of distribution.

5.— The Charity of Ann Mills (1701) and Richard Mills (1720) known
as "Mills Gifts" is under the management of the Trustees, Mr. W.
Bassingham, Mr. H. J. Felton, Mr. J. B. Moreland and Mr. E. R.
Allen. The two former represent St. Giles, and distribute to necessitous
inhabitants of the Parish, tickets for bread and coal. At the present time,
about 170 persons receive, on the first day of every month, a ticket for
eight half-quartern loaves, and in the winter months, 2 cwt. of coal ; in
the summer this is reduced to 1 cwt. This Charity especially is wisely
managed and has proved most useful.

6. — " The Provident Fund " inculcates, as its name implies, habits
of economy and thrift. It was established in 1879, and is managed by
The Separate Estate Trustees. This body allows a grant of ^200

212

•i>7. Giles, Cripplegate.

per annum to the Fund. Sums of money not exceeding is. per
week, are received at the Quest House, every Monday morning. At the
end of a year, 33 per cent, has been added to the amount deposited.
Orders are then given (to the extent of the deposit and bonus) for
supplying the holders with articles of wearing apparel or for domestic
use. These orders are readily honoured by tradesmen in the neighbour-
hood, whether in the Parish or not. This Fund takes the place of the
former annual distribution of clothes on All Saints' Day, the accounts
for which are mentioned elsewhere.

7. — Several bequests have been made for Apprentices. These
have been merged into the Separate Gift Estates, the Trustees of which
are allowed by the Schemes of 1877 to expend ,£150 per annum for
apprenticing children who shall have attended the Cripplegate Boys'
School, or Lady Holies' School for Girls, for a preceding period of not
less than three years. The Trustees are also at liberty to expend ^5 on
a suitable outfit for each apprentice, and to expend a further sum, not
exceeding ,£20, in making a grant to any deserving apprentice upon the
expiration of his term of apprenticeship, in purchasing tools and other
implements of a calling. This Charity has been much appreciated by
poor parents residing in the Parish, enabling them to give their children
a good start in the race of life.

Besides the Charities already noticed, there are two institutions in the
Parish that cannot be classed with the Charities already mentioned, as
they are chiefly supported by voluntary contributions — viz. : " The
Cripplegate Pension Society," and " The Metropolitan Dis-
pensary." The first was established in 1828 for the relief of decayed
male and female persons. Candidates for the pensions must be at least
60 years of age, and have resided within the Parish for a period of ten
years, and not have received parochial relief during that time. As
vacancies occur, elections take place, preference always being given to
those who have at some time subscribed to the funds of the Society.

A subscription from any person of 12s. per year constitutes a Governor,
or a donation of ^5 5s., a Life Governor of the Society. In 1887 there
were 67 Life Governors, and 148 Annual Subscribers. Its affairs are
managed by a Board consisting of a President — usually the Alderman of
the Ward — three Vice-Presidents, Treasurer, Honorary Secretary, and a
Committee of thirty-two Directors. The revenue of the Society is
derived as follows : —

The Poor of the Parish. 2 1 3

1. — Interest on an investment of ,£1,000.
2. — Donation from St. Giles Parochial Charities.
3. — Annual and Life Governors' Subscriptions.
4. — Proceeds of an Annual Entertainment.

Monthly meetings are held at the Quest House, when the pensioners
attend (unless incapacitated through illness) to receive their pensions —
which is for males, -£1 14^. \d, per month ; and for females, £1 $s. $d.
per month. There are now n males and 10 females in receipt of these
amounts.

The Metropolitan Dispensary and Charitable Fund, Fore Street,
was instituted in 1779.

From an account compiled by Mr. W. Clements (for many years a
Trustee of the Institution), the leading features were originally as
follows : —

1. — "A Society for visiting the sick poor at their own habitations, for
which purpose visitors were regularly appointed to explore the abodes of
sickness and destitution, and administer pecuniary relief, as well as
judicious advice and consolation founded on Christian principles."

2. — " A Medical Dispensary where, in addition to the advantage of a
resident medical officer, the attendance of a physician or surgeon was
daily afforded, and the sick poor who were recommended by Subscribers
obtained most efficient medical aid, and were supplied with medicines
from the Dispensary. And those patients who were unable to attend
were visited by one of the medical gentlemen at their own habitation."

3. — "It provided the necessary attendance for poor married women of
good character in their confinement, and afforded them such other
assistance as in their critical circumstances they might require."

Of late years the tendency has been to increase the medical part of
the work, deputing to the "Strangers' Aid Society" the distribution of
monetary help. For this purpose the sum of ten guineas is usually
voted to that Society at the annual meeting of subscribers ; and also a
like sum to the " Maternity Society."

Though many of the poor householders, for whom the Charity was
first established, have left the Parish, their place has been more than
filled by the many hundreds of both male and female workers employed
in the various large manufactories and warehouses in the district, to
whom an Institution of this kind is an inestimable boon. The benefits
to be derived from it are so apparent that heads of firms willingly

2 1 4 St. Gi/es, Cripplegate.

subscribe to secure the letters of recommendation for distribution to
their employes. The subscriptions being — For a Governor, one guinea
per annum; or for a Life Governor, ten guineas. In the year 1887
there were 41 Life Governors, and 115 Annual Subscribers. The
increase of the work at the Dispensary has been very marked. In
the year 1SS6 20,000 cases were attended, and in 1887 nearly 28,000,
besides 60 Maternity cases, and 3,000 patients were visited at their own
homes by Dr. Southwopd, the Resident Medical Officer.

The revenue of the Society is derived as under : — ■

1. — Dividends on ^3,900 Consols.

2. — Annual and Life Governors' Subscriptions.

3. — Donations from the City Companies and from Parish Vestries.

4. — Charitable Bequests.

5. — Donations from St. Giles' Parochial Charities.

6. — Hospital Saturday and Sunday Funds awards.

7. — Payments of 2d. from each patient for medicine.

The expenditure is mainly for drugs, and for salaries to the Resident
Medical Officer and the Dispenser, and gratuities to the Consulting
Physicians; the cost of management, collection, &c, being but little over
5 per cent, of the total expenditure.

The Institution is managed by a President, Vice-President, Treasurer,
Trustees, and a Committee of 24 Governors ; and its medical staff
consists of the Resident Medical Officer, a Dispenser, two Physicians,
one Consulting Surgeon, and a Secretary, who receives a nominal
salary.

Not the least valuable of the charitable institutions of St. Giles,
Cripplegate, that are still managed in the spirit of their founders, and
that are worthy of all the support that benevolent persons can give, is
the METROPOLITAN DISPENSARY.

INDEX.

Account and Minute Books, 143.

Extracts from, 23, 24, 26, 62, 63,

64, 143, 145. 153.

of 1725, 147-151, 207.

Account, The Grand, 26, 62, 164.

Aggas' Map, 9, 189.

Alfune, 2.

Alleyne, Edward, 47.

All Hallow Day Sermons, 62, 83.

Gifts, 83, 84, 161, 162, 177,

(1651) 209, 210, 212.
Almund, 3.

Andrewes, Lancelot, 60, 144.
Annesley, Samuel, 61-4.
Apprentices' Fund, 212.
Armery House, The, 30.
Ayscough, William, 103.

Bacon, John, 96.

Banks, Thomas, 102.

Barber Surgeons, Company of, 157.

Barbican, 7, 27, 28, 37, 77, 94.

Barfif, Albert, 54, 55, 71.

Bartholomew, 57.

Bassingham, William, 46, 47, 52, 107,

172, 211.
Baylis, Alexander John, 47, 107, 164.
Beadles, 19, 114, 150, 157, 158, 169.

■ Badge of Office, 114.

Beggars and Rogues, 8, 19, 1S5.

in Church, 159.

Bell, The Curfew, 186.

9 A.M., l86.

The passing, 125, 157.

Knells, 157, 197, 199.

Foundries, 7, 15, 124.

Ringers, 123, 148, 151.

Bells, 123; (1655) 123; (1665-86) 124;
(1772) 125; (1792) 130; (1887) 126.

Bennet, Thomas, 28, 67, 169, 172, 178.
Bequest Pensioners, 211.
Berkhampstede, Peter de, 57.
Bethlem Burial Ground. 17, 193, 196.

Hospital, 149.

Bleyton's Buildings, 144.
Bleyton, William, 144.

Blomberg, Rev. Frederick W., 71. 107. 1S3.
Blow, Dr. John, 11 8.
Bradley, Lang, 125, 127, 151.
Brewers, 2, 14, 15, 83, 87, 101.
Brewers' Company, 86, 87.
Bridgewater House, 95, 137, 141.

Square, 66, 94; and Orchard, 27.

Brown, Baron, 13.

Bruno Ryves, 61, 63.

Buckeridge, John, 60.

Bucklee, Elizabeth, 103.

Burial Fees, 192, 193, 196, 197, 198,

199.
Busby, Thomas, 15, 50, 75, 76.

Cage, Robert, SS.

Cages, 19, 20, 136, 137.

Castle Tavern, 120, 178, 190, 195, 196.

Challis, Thomas, 52, 112.

Chantries, 4, 6.

Chiming Machine, 129-13 1.

Chiswell Street, 19, 137.

Church— Coffins, 145, 146.

Inventory (1649), 152.

Irreverence in, 146, 159.

Pews in, 28, 29, 33, 43, 146, 15S,

159, 198, 199.

Plate, 25, 151, 158.

Rates, 29, 31, 32, 67, 70, 71.

Umbrella, 159.

Fees or Duties (1644), 192, 197.

Churchwardens, 15, 21, 50, 147, 156.

Churchwardens — continued.

Balances of, 147, 153, 165-8.

Duties of, 148, 150, 164, 170, 171,

200.

How Elected, 172.

List of, 50-2.

Right of Vicar or Parish to Elect,

172.

Swearing-in of, 149, 162.

Unwillingness to serve as, 166,

168, 169.
Churchyard, The, 21, 23, 24, 151, 157,
189, 200.

Additions to, 189-192.

Back doors leading into. 163.

195-6, 200.

Bastion of London Wall in, 192, 201.

Burial without Coffins, 193,

Depth of Graves, 192, 196.

Drinking Fountain in, 53, 54.

Encroachments on, 195.

Gate, The, 25, 154, 155, 193-4.

Military Training in, 16, 163, 194.

Passage through, 200.

Pavement on south side of Church.

196.

The Greene, 123, 192.

City Companies, and Quest House, 176.

Arms of, 42.

Halls of, 38.

City Shield and Dagger, The, 109.

Clock, 125, 127.

Coleburne, Henry, 74.

Colonial Merchants, 48.

Common Prayer, Book of, 64, 145-6,

151, 152, 158.
Cripplegate, The, 2, 37, 53, 136.
Cripplegate, Orthography of, 8, 11.

Origin of word, 2.

Pensioners, 211.

■ ■ Pension Society, 212.

Ward, 8, 16, 28, 48, no, 160, 162.

Cromwell, Oliver, 60, 63.

Crowder's Well, 23, 27, 159, 191.
Crowley, Robert, 13, 58, 77, 144-
Day, William, 15, 84.
Defoe, Daniel, 63.

Denton, W., 2, 39, 60, 69. Preface ii.
Deputy, Alderman's, 58, 104, 153, 154,

155, 160, 165, 166, 168.
Dinners and Refreshments, 149, 16 1-2,

170, 176.

Dolben, John, 64, 192.

Downhame, John, 19.

Draunt, Thomas, .59.

Dutch Congregation, 18, 100, 138.

Earnshaw, Peter, 107, 164.
Eaton, Samuel, 17, 139, 140.
Ellis, Charles and John, 107, 183.
Ely, Bishop of, 59, 60.
Elys, Martyn, 57.

Farnaby, Thomas, 135.

Felton, George Matthew, 52, 108.

Felton, Henry J., 52, 211.

Ferrour, John, 57.

Field, John, 77, 135.

Fines, Value of, 169-70.

Instances of, and how applied, 148,

157, 15S, 166, 169, 206.
Fire Engine, 25, 149, 150, 154-6.
Fire Insurance, 15 T5 158-
Fire Plugs, 156.

Fire, The Great (1666), 24, 25, 176, 177.
Fore Street, 6, 8, 27, 37, 57.

Precinct, 31, 147, 158.

Pump and Conduit in, 23, 158.

Widening of, 179-80, 1S2.

Foster, Reginald, 19, 146.

Four Shoppes, Building of, 145, 176-7-

Gifts from, 177.

Title to, 177-9-

Fowler, Edward, 65, 177, 205.
Fox, John, 10, 39, 76-8.
Freedom, Debts of the, 157, 165-9.
French Congregations, 18, 136.
Freshfield, Dr. E., 165, 203.
Frobisher, Sir Martin, 10, 14, 17, 80.
Fuller, William, 60, 145.
Fumival, Dr., 5.

Gilbert, Sir Humphrey, 14, 82, 134, 138.

Gilbert, Rev. Philip Parker, 46, 71, 10S. 183.

Glover, Robert, 10, 79.

Gold and Silver Thread Manufacture. 15, 28.

Golding Lane, 6, 19, 31, 137-

Gordon Riots, The, 160.

Grub Street (now Milton Street), 5, 6, 7,

8, 17, 27, 37, 38, 78, 136, 156.

158.

Precinct, 31, 147.

Hale, William Hale, 71.
Halliday, Leonard, 15.

Index.

217

Hammond, John, 13.

Monuments —

Hand, Ann Martha, 102.

Ayscough, William, 103.

Hand, George, 69, 70, 102.

Bassingham, William, 107.

Harris, Renatus, 117, 11S.

Baylis, Alexander John, 107.

Harrison, Edmund, 93.

Blomberg. Rev. Fred. William, 107.

Harvist, Edward, 73, 86, 144, 153.

Bucklee, Elizabeth, 103.

Hoggs Straying, 19, 20, 159.

Busby, Thomas, 75.

Holmes, William, 69, 70, 171.

Cage, Robert, SS.

Hour Glasses, 64, 65, 152.

Coleburne, Henry, 74.

Hustings Roll, 4, 5, 57, 175, 189.

Day, William, 84.

Earnshaw, Peter, 107.

Inquest, The, 114, 15S, 185.

Ellis, Charles and John, 107.

Duties of, 185.

Felton, George Matthew, 108.

St. Giles, Orders of, 186.

Fox, John, 76-8.

■ Extinction of, 187.

Frobisher, Sir Martin, 80.

Plate belonging to, 188.

Gilbert, Rev. Philip Parker, 108.

of Portsoken Ward, 187.

Glover, Robert, 79.

Hand, Ann Martha, 102.

Jewin Street, 4, 7, 95, 140.
Jones, Richard Lambert, 47, 183.
Jonson, Ben, 135.

Ken, Thomas, 135, 136, 139, 140.
Kent, Earl of, 9, 10, 138.
Knight, Sir Henry E., 109.

Langley, Charles, 15, 50, 82, 137, 144.

Lausele, Robert de, 57.

Lectures and Lecturers, 13, 59; D0> 65,

66, 99, 160-1.
Licenses, Ale and Beer, 156.
Loans for the King, 16, 17.
London Wall and Ditch, 1, 4, 9, 19, 191.

■ Bastion of, in Churchyard, 192, 201.

Lord, Baron, 13.
Lucy, Margaret, 92.

Maddox, Sir Benjamin, 113.

and Palmer's gift, 211.

Mallet, Henry, 58.

Mandeville, Bernard, 136.

Manor of Finsbury, Court Roll of, 19-20.

Mason, Roger, 15, 84.

Merry Frigate, The, 155.

Metropolitan Dispensary, 71, 213-14.

Metropolitan Railway, 39, 95.

Mills' Charity, 21 1.

Milton, John, 15. 35, 42, 43. 94. 100,

"5-

Ministers or Curates of St. Giles' Church,
26, 28. 60. 61. 62, 65, 77, 99,

135; 136, 138- 139, I4°» l6°-
Minstrells, 14.

Harrison, Edmund, 93.

Harvist, Edward, 86.

Langley, Charles, 82.

Lucy, Margaret, 92.

Mason, Roger, 84.

Milton. John, 94.

Palmer, Matthew, 85.

Pawson, Mary, 73.

Perry, Mary, 101.

Smith, Richard, 97.

Speed, John, 90-2.

Stagg, Thomas, 101.

Staines, John, 105.

Staines, Sir William, 104.

Staple, William, 92.

Vallangin, Joseph, 103.

Weybridge, Rev. John, 106.

Whitfield, Rev. W., 101.

Whitney, Constance, 88.
Moorditch, 15, 18.
Moorfields, 5, 6, 7, 9, 15, 17, 27.

Fishery in, 5.

Moor Lane, 5, 7, 8, 27, 137.
Mortuary Monies, 125, 147, 157, 1 79-
Moton, Hugh, 5.

Newbold, Augustin, 100.
Newspapers, Daily, 158, 159.
Nicholls, William, 69, 179.
Nismes, 3.
Norton, Philip de, 57.

Old Street. 13. 19. 20. 137. 192.

Organ. 26. 31. 43; (l672) "55 (l6S8>

117; (1704) 117-1S; (1734) 120;

(1S40) 121 ; (1SS7) 121.

Organist and Sexton, Offices of, combined.

"5-

Organist, Payment of, 1 16-120, 151.
Organists, Names of, 120.

Painters, Company of, 5.
Pall Monies, 157, 179, 204-6.
Palmer, Matthew, 85.
Parish —

Early aspect of, 1.

Value of Land in, (1320) 5 ; (1522) 7.

House Property in. (1440)6; (1526)7.

Inhabitants, (1250-1300) 5; (1500-22)

6-8; 14.

Streets of, 5, 7.

Signs, 6, 7.

State of, (1550-1620) 11-13; (1620-

1639) 16, 17 ; (1720) 27, 28 ;
(1887) 48, 49-

Sanitary State of (1600-36), 18-20.

During Plague years, 20-24.

After Great Fire, 25, 155. 163.

Population of, (1603) 15 ; (1631) 23 ;

(1665-1710) 25, 28; (1732) 37.
■ Census (1801-81), 39, 48.

Assessment of. (17 12) 28 ; (1742) 37 ;

(1887) 48.

Charities, 15, 46, 47, 57, 66, 71, 76,

83, 84, 88. 103, 139, 151, 164,
171, 209, 210.

Joint Committee on, 76, 83, 84, 88,

164, 210.

Chest, The, 153, 154, 158, 165. 176.

■ Jubilee, The (1887), 53.

Clerks, 21, 26, 69, 116. 118. 119,

159, 186, 196, 206.

Names of, 133.

■ Rents, 55, 191.

Parliament and King, Struggle between,

16, 59, 61, 94, 163.
Pawson, Mary, 73.

Perambulation clay, and points, 151. 161.
Perry, Mary, 101.
Pest House Burial Ground, 21, 23, 192,

193, 196.
Peterloo Massacre, 199.
Philip, 57.
Philip, John, 57.
Pickering, John, 47,52, 183.
Plague, The, (1563) 138 ; (1603) 20, 84 ;

(1625) 20, 139; (1636) 18, 20;

(1641) 20; (1665) 20-5, 65, 95,

140, 192.

(1595) 14, 55, 165, 167,
161,

Poor, The, 203 :
169.

Overseers for, 147, 149, 157,

170 ; Election of, 173.

Coals for, 75, 151, 159, 162, 166.

Gifts for, 83, 84, 88, 103, 145, 151,

166, 176; (1651) 209; (1686) 210.

Complaints of, 149. 170.

Rates, 68. 178; (1682) 206; (1730)

208.
Nobles, for, from Burials, 198.

Rate in aid, 203, 204.

Weekly payments for, 207-8.

Poor, Existing Agencies for Assistance to

(1887), 211-14, viz. : —

Staines' Almshouse Charity, 211.

Bequest Pensioners, 211.

Sir Benjamin Maddox and Palmer's,
211.

Mills' Charity, 211.

Provident Fund. 211.

Apprentices, 212.

Cripplegate Pensioners, 211.

Cripplegate Pension Society, 212.

Metropolitan Dispensary. 213-14.
Pratt's Buildings, 178, 189. 190.
Pritchett, John, 21, 65.
Provident Fund, 211.

Quest House. 15. 23, 41. 59. 71, 107, 145,
154, 156, 175, 176, 179. 1S7, 190,
212.

Title to, 178-9.

Room at East-end of, built, 180.

Mr. Holmes and, 180-1.

Vestry lose lease of, 181.

Front of, redauilt, 182.

Vestry-room in, 182-3, 187.

Rahere, 2.

Redcross Street, 5, 7, 13, 14, 15, 27, 66,

135- 136, 155-

Precinct, 31, 147. 158, 165.

Registers, Parish. 18, 20, 21, 60, 62,

133-

Extracts from. 134-141.

Rochefort, Sir Ralph, 5, 9.
Rogers, John, 68.
Romanists, 13.

St. Alphage, London Wall, 60, 156.
St. Bartholomew by the Exchange, 39.
St. Bartholomew, Moor Lane, 39, 7°-

St. Bartholomew The Great, Smithfield,

2, 175-

St. Bartholomew's Hospital, 157, 158.

St. Bennet, Gracechurch Street, 30.

St. Botolph, Aldersgate, 172.

St. Giles, 3.

St. Giles' Church, Foundation of, 2, 3.

Rebuilding of, and Gifts for Main-

tenance, 4, 5, 6, 58.

Fire in (1545), S, 40, 43. 73.

Fashionable Christenings and

Funerals in, 10.

Burial in, 9, 21, 1 98 ; Fees for, 197,

198. 199 ; Under Pews, 198, 199.
Repairs on. (1612-29) !5> J6, 153 ;

(1660-S4) 25, 26, 78 ; (1704) 29 :

(1715-22) 32; (1764) 33 34;

(1790-2) 34-36; (1800-58) 40;

(1S5S-S0) 42-47, 71.

Description of (1708) 31 ; (1830) 40.

Altar piece in, 31, 36.

Chancel of, 35, 65, 77.

Galleries in, 15, 16, 26, 28, 42. 115,

117.

Font in, 25, 26, 30, 32, 43.

King's Arms in, 25, 30. 34.

Pulpit in, 31, 42.

Stained Glass Windows in. 34, 42. 46.

Tower of, 3, 25, 26, 27, 40, 145.

Turret of, 16, 25, 26.

Dimensions of. 48.

Churchwardens of, 50-2.

Vestry Room of, 30, 43.

Services in. 49.

Officials of (1887), 49.

Attempt to use for Political Meeting,

199.
St. Giles, Value of Benefice, (1636) 61 ;
(1732) 37; (1800-95) 70; (1887)
7i-

Common Hall of. 175.

St. Lawrence Jewry. 59-

St. Luke, Proposal for New Church. 36. 64.

Separation of Parishes, 15.37.69. 101,

120, 164.

Payment to Vicar of, 71.

Stained Window, presented by

parishioners of, 46.
St. Margaret's, Lothbury, 165, 203.
St. Michael, Cornhill, 30, 65.
St. Paul's Cathedral, Dean and Chapter

of, 3. 53, 68, 178, 1S0.

Sub-Dean of, 56.

St. Vedast, Foster Lane, 61.
Schools. Boys and Girls, 55, 66. 71.
Sextons, 13, 21, 34, 115, 158, 182, 200.
Sidesmen. 149. 161. 162, 169. 170.

Election of, 173.

Smith (or Smyth), Richard, 22, 97, 99.

Smyth's Obituary, 22, 93, 99.

South Sea Scheme, 157.

Speed, John, 39, 90-2.

Staffs, 1 13-14.

Stagg, Thomas, 101, 120. 159, 164.

Staines, John, 105.

Staines, Sir William, 104, no. 183.

Staines' Almshouses, 103, 183, 211.

Staple, William, 92, ioo.

Stationers, Company of, 59.

Sworder, Thomas, 57.

Sworder and Sworder's Accounts. 15. 57,

59, S3, 145, 153, 176.
Sugar Loaf Court, 176, 193.

Tanners, 4, 5.
Tasker, Ralph, 21, 50.
Tindal's Burial Ground, 193, 196.
Townesend, Sir Roger, 17, 82.
Traders and Tokens, 37.
Trophy of Arms, 109.
Trowbridge, John, 57.
Twisden, Sir William. 17, 135.

Sir Roger, 136.

Thomas, 136.

Vallangin, Joseph, 103.

Vestry Clerks, 36. 101, 120. 148. 150

i73» 179, 193' 205.
Vestry Clerks, List of, 164.
Vestry Clerk's Office, 1S3.
Vestry. The Freedom, Constitution of

(1659). 163.
■ Number of, (170S) 164; (1829), 171.

Agitation concerning, 17 1.

Made open. 172.

Election of. 172.

Members of. (1S33) 1S3; (1887) 173,

1S3.
Vestry. The General. 157, 164.

Constitution of. 164.

Intruding Members, 157.

Vestryman Expelled, 156.

Non-resident, 158.

Vestrymen, Proposed Payment of. 1 70.
Vicarage House, 25. 178, 180.

Vicars, 57-71.

Philip (1279), 57.

Robert de Lausele (1280-95). 57.

Peter de Berhampstede (1333), 57-

John Ferrour (134S), 57.

Martyn Elys (1351), 57.

John Philip (1353), 57.

Bartholomew (1360), 57.

Philip de Norton (137 1 ). 57.

John Trowbridge (1378-93), 57-

Thomas Sworder (1500), 57.

Henry Mallet (1557), 58.

Robert Crowley (1564-6) (1578-88),

13, 58. 77, 144.
Thomas Draunt (1568-7S). 59.
Launcelot Andrewes (1588), 60. 144.
John Buckeridge (1604), 60.
William Fuller (162S), 6o, 145.
Samuel Annesley (1658), 61-64.
John Dolben (1662), 64, 192.
John Pritchett (1664), 21, 65.
Edward Fowler (1681), 65, 177. 205.
William Whitfield ( 1 714). 37. 67, 101.

178.
Thomas Bennet ( 17 16), 28, 67, 169,

172, 178.
John Rogers (1728), 68.
William Nicholls (1729), 69, 179.

Vicars — contijiited.

George Hand (1774), 69, 70, 102.
William Holmes (1802), 69. 70. 171.
Frederick W. Blomberg (1833), 71*

107, 183.

William Hale Hale (1847), 71.
Philip Parker Gilbert (1857), 46, 71.

108, 183.

Albert Barff (1886), 54, 55, 71.

Weavers' Almshouses, Shoreditch, 207.
Welby, Henry, 139.
Wesley, John and Charles, 64.
Weybridge, Rev. John, 106.
Whitecross Street. 7, 15, 19, 27.

■ Precinct. 31. 147, 158.

■ Burial Ground, 192, 193. 196.

Whitfield, Rev. William, 37, 67, 101, 178.
Whitney, Constance, 39, 73, 88, 92.
Wood. Sir Matthew, no, 182, 183.

William Page (Lord Hatherley). in.

Sir Evelyn, 112.

Woodthorpe, Edmund, 47, 97.
Workhouse. 67, 114. 149, 207.

In Sugar Loaf Court, 208. 209.

Arts' Master in, 208.

Farming of the Poor in. 208-9.

Wriothesley, 8-9.

BOUND TO PLEASE

APP1L.66

N. MANCHESTER,
INDIANA

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Full text of "An account of the church and parish of St. Giles, without Cripplegate, in the city of London. Compiled from various old authorities, including the churchwardens' accounts, and the vestry minute books of the parish"

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